Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
When they perform an examination, 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 has shorter lives. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. For decades, it was used in a variety of American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings, cars, and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common and affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, 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 clothes, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members can inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
louisiana asbestos attorneys will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been identified. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll send it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.