Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the most danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may appear.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. ann arbor asbestos law firm can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue that can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about the treatment options. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.