Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.
In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). fort collins asbestos law firm , mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For decades it was employed in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are present in your body.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater 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 type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a physician for any symptoms that could be linked to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you at no charge, no obligation. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.