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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs 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 is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that surround various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. 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 because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos [the full details] can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, could develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct 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.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
asbestos settlement fibers irritate the mesothelium. 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, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma’s final stages. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.
The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
When they perform the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos case were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity’s lining, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious the 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 law fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may 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 to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get stuck in the lining of specific 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 even relatives of those who worked with asbestos attorney are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the condition. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
Although there isn’t a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we’ll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.
