Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
berkeley asbestos law firm is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at most risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the protective linings that surround different organs of 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 form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may appear.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind 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 are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma in their family. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. It is often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as 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 is suffering from. 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-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to 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 is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to see your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. Then, they can become stuck in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the condition. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. 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 look for mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.