Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the highest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that protect various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only reason that has been identified for 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 to construct homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation therapy related to
asbestos attorney are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and
asbestos compensation exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.
The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles and other items. Workers in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling 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 so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious 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 on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing 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. Blue-collar workers and even family members of
asbestos litigation legal (
click the following page) workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you've ever 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 include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.
