20 Myths About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: Debunked
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at greatest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that surround different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for just 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. sioux city asbestos attorneys is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in many American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. People who worked 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 that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed 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 parts of the body causing tumors to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous employed in construction, and 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 and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe them when they clean the clothing.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that may be related to the condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all signs. 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 Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll deliver it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.