Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at the highest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mix of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in buildings, ships cars and many other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain 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 and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by 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, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
bakersfield asbestos lawsuit for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They can then become lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be related to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been identified. These could include chemotherapy, 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 yet, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also contact us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.