Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the highest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). west valley city asbestos attorneys , mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. It is often mistaken for other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings automobiles and many other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue, which could cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious 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 asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin, and. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to form.
Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.