Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the greatest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances may result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is 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 have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
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 pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. For decades, it was used in many American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof 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 be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.
boca raton asbestos attorney affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe them when they clean the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the available treatments. We'll send it to you free of cost, without obligation. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.