Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the greatest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.
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 mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form 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 most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. north carolina asbestos attorneys is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years, it was used in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings, cars, and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue, which could result in tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be related to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.