Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, may develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent kind 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 they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A sample of the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than others. ohio asbestos lawsuit include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.
The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination 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 linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships cars and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue that can result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest 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).
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been identified. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll deliver it to you at no charge, no obligation. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.