Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that cover various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can 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, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the 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 area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her previous 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.
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 or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will do a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. alameda asbestos law firm is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. They may then get trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members could inhale them when they clean the clothes.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been identified. These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll send it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is 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 suit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.