Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that protect various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses like lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for just 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time it was employed in many American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform a physical exam and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get champaign asbestos lawyer to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.