Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to
Asbestos Legal. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings cars, and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to
asbestos settlement.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present in your body.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma.