Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at the most danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells 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 tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also form 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 recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
palatine asbestos attorneys who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members can inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case 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 it has advanced.
The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation on the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.