Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at most risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that protect various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma lawyer is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has distinct prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and disrupts their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which 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. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma attorneys, which affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma attorneys differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient’s past asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
The physician may also recommend 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 to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung’s lining (pleura) however it can also form in the abdomen’s lining (peritoneum) or the heart’s lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand 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 naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector 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 asbestos exposure.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue, which can result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their 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
Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to develop.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it’s essential to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. This could include surgery, chemo 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 isn’t a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this disease and the treatments available. We’ll send it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask nurses any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.