Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at most risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was used in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings automobiles, and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of 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, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. Then, they can become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may breathe them when they clean the clothing.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask 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 exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include 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 the treatment options. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get Carlsbad asbestos lawsuits to find out more about this condition and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you at no cost, without obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.