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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the greatest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that protect various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
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 in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take anywhere 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 diseases.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a superior 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 typically found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For decades, it was used in many American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. bolingbrook asbestos lawsuit can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a 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 could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.