25 Shocking Facts About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the highest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles 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 area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma attorney in their family. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma lawyer type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two first types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. For decades it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings, cars and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also order 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.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma lawyer begins when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop.
Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.
Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a physician for any symptoms that may be related to the condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, with no obligation. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (reviews over at Doodleordie). We are committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.
