Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is exposure to asbury park Asbestos law firm.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at highest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. 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 structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest 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 might also request an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive 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 mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung’s lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart’s lining (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
sequim asbestos law firm is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings automobiles and other items. Workers in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue, which could cause tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity’s lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. 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 will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are present within your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. new hyde park asbestos lawsuit was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get lodged 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 the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothes.
Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it’s important to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you’ve ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We’ll deliver it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.