The 3 Biggest Disasters In Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma History
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. greensboro asbestos lawyer on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure. It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may appear. There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis. Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than others. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma. The symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses. In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive process. In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination 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 lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings automobiles and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue, which can cause tumors. Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. This is the most common mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body. Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, like other cancers begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to form. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was utilized in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They may then get stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale them when they clean the clothes. Even though mesothelioma may be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available. The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be contacted to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.