Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body called the mesothelium. asbestos mesothelioma cancer that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. It is often mistaken for other diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is not common 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 late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings automobiles, and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident within your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was utilized in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get stuck in the linings 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 even relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members could inhale them when they clean the clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a physician for any symptoms that could be linked to the disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.
The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.