The No. 1 Question Everyone Working In Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma Needs To Know How To Answer
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used 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 is a cancer that is found in the linings that surround different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. brownsville asbestos attorney was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, may appear.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and 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. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to 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 could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3000 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 following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. For many years, it was used in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will do a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any 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.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may 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 is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be linked to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.