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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
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 is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two primary types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand 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 parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. nashua asbestos attorneys can include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you at no cost, with no obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.