Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs before it was banned in 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs 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 each year. The exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, may appear.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has come into 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 treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, 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 can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mix of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. For a long time it was employed in a variety of American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can result in tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
philadelphia asbestos law firm for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may breathe them when they clean the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a physician for any symptoms that could be related to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. 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.
The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask nurses any questions. 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.