Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. 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 highest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body called the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.
It can be difficult to determine 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 be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.
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 include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for just 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 at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. cranston asbestos law firm could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles 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 issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue that can result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect various parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to see your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. 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
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They may then get trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be related to the disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.