Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the most risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that surround various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to
asbestos law can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to identify 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, like weight loss and fatigue, could develop.
There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. Additionally, people who have had
asbestos case-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. 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 those of other diseases.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with
asbestos settlement exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.
When they perform the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
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. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following
asbestos litigation exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. This is the most common mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to visit your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to
asbestos (
visit this weblink). Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.
