Ten Things You Learned In Kindergarden They'll Help You Understand Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
brockton asbestos attorney is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that surround various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, it is important to visit your doctor if you experience 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 will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get stuck in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be related to the condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll send it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also contact us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be contacted to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.