Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. modesto asbestos law firm include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, could develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will 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 discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty 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 before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.
The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. For many years it was employed in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are present in your body.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related patients are more likely to 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 secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask nurses any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.