Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may develop.
There are schaumburg asbestos law firm of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal including 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. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 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 can be difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.
When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two primary types and accounts between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. For decades, it was used in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are present within your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members 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 and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.
The exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been identified. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, with no obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.