Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. 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 houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may appear.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but 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, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to form.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members can inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that may be related to the disease. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.
The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even though there isn't a 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, without obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. san antonio asbestos law firm is available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.