Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in 1970. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at greatest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. st louis asbestos lawyer from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. For decades it was employed in many American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at 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 type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material employed in construction, and other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged in the lining 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 and even family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.