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 is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). 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 a once-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 who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, could develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and disrupts their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. For a long time it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming within your body.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. orem asbestos law firm who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. 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
Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. 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 consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatments available. We'll send it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.
