Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue may develop.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with 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 under microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. 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 rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer known 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 that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply 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 mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.
Although palm coast asbestos lawsuit is uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.