Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in 1970. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at greatest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About Torrance asbestos lawsuits in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.
When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For decades it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings, cars, and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.