Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that protect various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, may appear.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to 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 small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles and other items. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue that can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present within your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may inhale them when they clean the clothing.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to see a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. allentown asbestos law firm may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be contacted to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.