15 Top Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma Bloggers You Must Follow
From Shiapedia
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in 1970. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at greatest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma lawyer each year. Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma attorney cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
The physician may also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.
The exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Download your free mesothelioma lawyer guide to know more about this disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also contact us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.
