Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the highest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs in the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, could develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and disrupts their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the 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 is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. For many years, it was used in many American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure.
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 inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are present in your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. 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 responsible for removing it or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that may be related to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. roswell asbestos law firm can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to an experienced nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.