Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at highest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and disrupts their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
columbus asbestos attorney of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings cars and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to form.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may bring 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 essential to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available.
The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.