Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the most risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure. It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may develop, such as weight loss and fatigue. There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform an 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 abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, 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 can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. When they perform the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. As kansas asbestos lawyer , the irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body. Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and 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 secondhand. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. Then, they can become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes. Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be linked to the condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform a physical exam and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.