Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the greatest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. 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 homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
eugene asbestos lawyer and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent type of mesothelioma. 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 develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or 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 the patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings, cars, and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue that can result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and can 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 linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material employed in construction, and other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothing.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician for any symptoms that could be linked to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, with no obligation. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation on the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.