The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma
Davie asbestos lawsuit and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that protect various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct houses, 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. The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may develop. There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs. If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for 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 who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. It is often mistaken for other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors 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 chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure. During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a better prognosis. 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 most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura), though it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were the 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. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of 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 important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand. 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 themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors. The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. Then, they can become trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members can inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes. Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be related to the disease. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available. Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail 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 reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.