Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in the year 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 in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.
The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent 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. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. For a long time it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos 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 in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop.
Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.