Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at most danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Fayette asbestos lawsuit fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient’s prior asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has properties that resist heat. For many years it was employed in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop.
Exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
People who worked with cohoes asbestos lawyer, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
While mesothelioma can be rare, it’s important to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan, 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 could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We’ll deliver it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.