Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer
The linings of major organs are affected, but most typically in the lung. It is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers that are absorbed into the tissues of the body's lining.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma-related symptoms can develop decades later. The most common mesothelioma type is called pleural mesothelioma. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma and mesothelioma testicularis.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they may become trapped inside the lungs or other body tissues. They can stay there for decades, causing the tissue to expand abnormally over time and develop tumors. The mesothelioma that develops can spread to other parts of the body.
The liner of the chest cavity (pleura) and lungs is the most common mesothelioma-related site. It is referred to as pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and in the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed at a later stage than lung cancer or other types of asbestos-related diseases since it takes several years before symptoms begin to manifest. This makes it more difficult to detect.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often similar to those of other illnesses, including pneumonia or the flu. Asbestos patients might also experience fever, fatigue or weight loss. This can lead to a misdiagnosis, or a delay in seeking medical care. Mesothelioma typically takes between 10 and 50 years or more to develop following exposure to asbestos. It is diagnosed most often among people over 65 particularly males and those born male.
To diagnose mesothelioma doctors must first rule out all other diseases. They then collect a sample of the affected area to be examined. The sample is tested to determine whether there are mesothelioma cancer cells that are malignant. This test can help determine if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (which makes up the majority of cases) or sarcomatoid (which is less prevalent, but has a worse prognosis).
In addition to physical examinations doctors can also conduct imaging tests to check the lungs and other tissues for indications of mesothelioma. A chest CT scan may reveal calcium or fluid deposits in the lungs, or between the lungs and chest wall. It also can reveal if the lungs are larger or the presence of scarring caused by previous inflammation, which is another indication of mesothelioma. A Postron emission tomography (PET) scan can also aid in identifying mesothelioma and its stage. It can also tell whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to
asbestos claim, a class of microscopic fibres that were previously widely employed in the construction industry. Exposure occurs when asbestos fibres are inhaled, and they become stuck in the lungs. Mesothelioma symptoms can manifest within 20 years of the initial asbestos exposure. It is essential to inform your doctor about any history of asbestos exposure even if it's only brief or indirect, because the disease can be difficult to detect.
A doctor will evaluate you and document your medical history. They may also perform imaging tests like chest CT scans and X-rays. These tests can reveal an increase in pleural thickness and fluid accumulation, as well as other signs of abnormalities. MRI and PET scanners can be used to see soft tissues such as the diaphragm as well as the lungs more clearly. These scans also help identify cancer cells.
Blood tests can be used to identify high levels of certain chemicals that are associated with mesothelioma. This includes fibulin-3, soluble mesothelin related peptides and mesothelin that is soluble. These tests could be beneficial when the mesothelioma grew to the lungs. They can assist doctors pinpoint the exact site of the cancer. A lung biopsy can confirm that you are suffering from mesothelioma. This involves inserting a needle into your lung and removing a small part of the tissue to be examined.
Mesothelioma is diagnosed in various stages, but those who are diagnosed later are less likely of surviving. The cancer is likely to be spreading before the time it is detected. Doctors may still attempt to treat the underlying problem, but it is usually more focused on managing symptoms and improving comfort.
The type of mesothelioma you have will determine the type of treatment you should pursue. For example, pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs, while peritoneal mesothelioma impacts a stomach-specific membrane. Some types of mesothelioma are more prevalent than others, however they all develop as the result of exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma cannot be prevented however you can lower your risk by not smoking and staying clear of trades where there is asbestos.
Treatment
People who worked in industries that utilized asbestos such as construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing between the 1930s and 1980s are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos happens when minuscule fibers inhaled or ingested enter your body and get trapped in tissue linings like the chest, abdomen and testicles. After decades of exposure, these asbestos fibers cause the lining of the body to become inflamed and cause tumors. These tumors can transform into cancerous cells and then spread to other parts of the body.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, is extremely uncommon. The symptoms usually appear decades after the diagnosis. It is often misdiagnosed as the symptoms are similar to those of lung cancer, bronchitis or other respiratory diseases.
A doctor can diagnose the disease by reviewing the medical records of the patient and conducting certain tests. When performing a biopsy, a doctor might take a sample of tissue or fluid from the affected area. The samples are then examined under microscopes to confirm mesothelioma.
Once a doctor has confirmed mesothelioma, they will recommend treatments. The type of cancer and its stage will determine the type of treatment recommended.
If the cancer is still in its initial stage, surgery could be performed to remove the tumor. This will prevent cancer from recurring. This can extend the lifespan of the patient.
However it is usually diagnosed in the later stages when cancer has already spread to other areas of the body. In these instances doctors will focus on managing the patient's symptoms.
Mesothelioma treatment can include chemotherapy, radiation or both. The type of therapy a patient receives depends on the mesothelioma type, its stage, as well as other factors like their age, health and fitness. Patients who have a good prognosis are more likely undergo intensive surgical procedures or receive newer targeted therapies in clinical trials. Financial compensation could be offered to help pay for mesothelioma treatment. To find out if you are eligible to file a lawsuit contact a mesothelioma lawyer today for a no-cost case review.
Prognosis
The latency period of mesothelioma is lengthy and patients may experience symptoms for many years before they receive a diagnosis. By the time doctors diagnose the cancer, it's often spread and is a challenge to treat. A doctor's prognosis is a prediction of the severity of the disease and the treatment options available.
People who have been exposed to
asbestos settlement while at work may be at risk for mesothelioma. Exposure can occur in a variety settings such as shipbuilding, construction, mining and asbestos abatement. Asbestos fibers may get stuck in the lungs and other organs, causing damage. Over time this damage could result in mesothelioma development or other asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestos patients must discuss their
asbestos lawsuit exposure with a medical professional and have regular physical examinations.