"Ask Me Anything": Ten Answers To Your Questions About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma
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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and 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 greatest danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. The only cause that is known for 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 cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma lawyers accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma attorneys.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.
The physician may also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. 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 types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma lawsuits isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to see a doctor for any symptoms that may be related to the condition. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been identified. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (recent post by Infozillon). We are committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.