Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the greatest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that cover different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs 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.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
The 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 chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
baytown asbestos lawsuit may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30% and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was utilized in many American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, 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 parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.
While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.