Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
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, factory and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that cover different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. mountain view asbestos attorney known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. 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 a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
In the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.