Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs of the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for less than 10% of 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 have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. miami asbestos law firm to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
In an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings, cars, and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue, which could 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 the lung. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous 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 or ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be linked to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you free of charge, no obligation. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.