Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing problems, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. 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 those of other diseases.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties 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 heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct an examination and order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.
The exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members can inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination 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 diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. clifton asbestos law firm of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options 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. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.