Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the greatest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more responsive. 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 have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has properties that resist heat. 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, as it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and 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 may be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought
asbestos legal fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure
asbestos compensation. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They can then be encased in 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 accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and relatives of those who worked with
asbestos legal are also at risk. Workers may bring
asbestos compensation fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been identified. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this disease and the treatments available. We'll send it to you at no cost, with no obligation. You can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.
