Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used in the construction of structures, homes aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos law can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing problems, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.
There are four kinds 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) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of developing the disease 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.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient’s prior asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.
When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments 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), though it can also occur in the abdomen’s lining (peritoneum) or the heart’s lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos settlement.
Workers who worked with asbestos legal were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present within your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma case. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatments available. No obligation, we’ll email it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.
