Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of structures, homes aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.
Pittsburgh asbestos lawsuits of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may appear.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and 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. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can cause tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to visit your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.
The exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale them when they clean the clothing.
While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.