Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that protect various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. These early symptoms can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue could develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to
asbestos claim at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following
asbestos litigation exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The
asbestos litigation industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. It is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct 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 present in your body.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
asbestos litigation is a fibrous material that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry
asbestos law fibers home on their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.
While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to
asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.
