Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body, referred to as 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. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. Scranton asbestos lawyers was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing or 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 kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour 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 is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive 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 of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen 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 nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings automobiles and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. 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 is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.
While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll send it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation on the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.