Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that surround various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. tallahassee asbestos attorneys include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
The physician may also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand 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 has properties that resist heat. For many years it was utilized in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to develop.
Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos and 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 bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.
Even though mesothelioma may be uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary 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 is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.