Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur 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. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is heat-resistant, has properties. For decades it was utilized in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly 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 exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could cause tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.
The exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get stuck in the linings of certain 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 and even family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam 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 options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get deerfield beach asbestos law firm to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. 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 dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.