Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at most risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. alameda asbestos attorneys may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.
There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.
The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. Then, they can become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that may be related to the disease. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been identified. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.