Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations before it was banned in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. 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 cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may appear.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with mesothelioma history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line the 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 prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This 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 form. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. 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 usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in many American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lung. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, it is important to consult your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. grand rapids asbestos attorneys may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.