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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was 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, grows in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, could develop.
There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive process.
In an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. For many years, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. little rock asbestos attorney was especially lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and many other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be related to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.