Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at the highest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. yonkers asbestos lawyer was used to construct houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, may appear.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and interferes with their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For many years it was utilized in many American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings cars, and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma, and it 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 linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present within your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to develop.
The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about the treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you free of cost, without obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.