Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at highest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to
asbestos case. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue could develop.
There are four types of mesothelioma. 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 are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with
asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% 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. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
asbestos legal is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect 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 or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue that can result in tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that 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 issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary
asbestos law exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to
asbestos case.