Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue could develop.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely 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 received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could 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 is not a contagious disease however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.
Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you at no charge, no obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. spokane asbestos lawyer committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.