Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at most risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For decades it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue that can cause tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then become trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. 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 may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam 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 treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you free of charge, no commitment. manteca asbestos attorneys can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.