Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, could develop.
There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. fort worth asbestos attorney is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For a long time it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings cars and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed 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 inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of the body become 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 risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the condition. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.