Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Modesto asbestos lawsuit is the main risk factor.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at the highest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue may develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. This includes people 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 risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form 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 happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests may 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 the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has properties that resist heat. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform 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 can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not 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 frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a physician for any symptoms that could be linked to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you free of charge, no obligation. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.