Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at highest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
lake forest asbestos lawyer acts as a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura), though it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. For decades it was employed in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to develop.
Asbestos exposure is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. Then, they can become stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests can 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 identified. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you free of charge, no commitment. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.