Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, could develop.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing 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 had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity 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.
Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing the formation of tumors.
Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be linked to the disease. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. schaumburg asbestos attorneys could include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll send it to you free of cost, with no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.