Its History Of Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.
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Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor 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 with microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two first types and accounts between 30 and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of 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. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask nurses any questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation on the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.