Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma in their family. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get 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 chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Often, the symptoms are confused with 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 has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.
When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest 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. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. 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 distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to see your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives 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 clothes, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be linked to the condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been identified. indiana asbestos lawsuit might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.