Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent 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), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
When minneapolis asbestos law firm suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. Workers in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type of 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 difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as 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 those of other diseases.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
The physician may also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or 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 the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
In the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings cars and many other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate 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. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to form.
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you at no cost, without obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.