Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. tempe asbestos law firm can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
When they perform an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years it was employed in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulating material in buildings, ships, cars, and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present in your body.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members could inhale them when they clean the clothing.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be related to the condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, without obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.