Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at most risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. However, 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. Exposure to
asbestos case is the only known mesothelioma-related cause.
asbestos case was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, may appear.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.
The physician may also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as 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 may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two first types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings, cars, and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to
asbestos lawyer.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of those exposed to
Asbestos legal are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the
asbestos lawyer fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.