Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the greatest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that surround various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.
The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. For decades it was utilized in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings, cars and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to see your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. new hampshire asbestos attorneys can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Even though mesothelioma may be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform a physical exam and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatments available. We'll send it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.