Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, could develop.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma 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 occurs in the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty 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. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.
The physician may also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships cars and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. 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 heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They may then get trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause 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 family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that may be related to the condition. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no obligation. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.