Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs in the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, could develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with a family history of mesothelioma. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult 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 point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades 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 used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. grand rapids asbestos law firm in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue that can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. 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
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.
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 tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a doctor if you have symptoms that could be linked to the disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you at no cost, without commitment. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. You can ask an experienced nurse any 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.