The 3 Most Significant Disasters In Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma History
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. indianapolis asbestos law firm is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and other items. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Even though mesothelioma may be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include the 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 treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.