Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. 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 exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may develop.
There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing
mesothelioma lawyers. Certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. It is often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link
Mesothelioma Lawsuit to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The
mesothelioma lawsuits cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. For decades it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in 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.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, it is important to consult your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
Asbestos exposure is the main
mesothelioma lawyers-related risk factor.