Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. Its latency period can be as long as 40 years after exposure, and it is often misdiagnosed as its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses or diseases.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is composed of strong, microscopic fibers. It was utilized in a myriad of products from the 1930s to the 1980s, due to its resistance to heat and fire.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a layer tissue that covers and protects most of your organs. Mesothelioma starts in the cells of this layer and spreads to other parts of the body. It can affect the diaphragm, or heart, as well as the lungs.
Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos. It typically takes 10 - 50 years before symptoms manifest, and they may be misinterpreted as other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. It can manifest in the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) or in the lining of the stomach and the bowel (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Exposure to asbestos puts people at risk of developing mesothelioma. This is especially true in the event of exposure to large amounts of asbestos over an extended period of time. Secondhand exposure can also cause it. Workers exposed to asbestos could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. This puts their families at risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can affect anyone who has been exposed asbestos, but certain occupations have a higher risk. Construction workers, such as electricians, plumbers and welders, are at risk for mesothelioma because they are exposed to asbestos dust while working on construction projects. Mesothelioma is also common among veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their time in the military.
If a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma they will receive a biopsy to determine the type and phase of the cancer. A biopsy is the process of removing the tissue sample from the affected area usually through surgical intervention or using a needle. This is then examined under a microscope in order to look for mesothelioma cells that are malignant.
Mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent of diagnoses and is the most susceptible to treatment. Sarcomatoid is a lesser-known condition and has a less favorable prognosis.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to treat. However, early detection can improve a patient's life expectancy. Asbestos patients should report any history of exposure to asbestos to their physician and inquire about regular checkups. This will help doctors detect mesothelioma signs and symptoms in their earliest stages, and make them qualified for treatment options.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that grows in the lining of specific organs. There are four different types of mesothelioma. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lungs. Other types include peritoneal, mesothelioma of the testicular and pericardial regions. Workers who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing this disease.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that creates fibrous material. Inhaling or ingestion of this fiber could cause serious health issues such as mesothelioma. The asbestos fibers can cause abnormal growths in the tissues of those who are exposed to them. The growths can be either benign or cancerous and could spread to other areas of the body.
The signs of mesothelioma may be difficult to recognize. They may be a sign of other illnesses such as pneumonia or pulmonary fibrillation. They also affect older people and are more prevalent in men than women. Anyone who is exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at most chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes those working in shipyards and manufacturing as well as those who are involved in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings and military bases.
Chest pain and breathing difficulties are the most common symptoms. The pain occurs because of the accumulation of fluid, which is known as the pleural effusion. The fluid stops the lungs from expanding during inhalation. Other symptoms include a cough, fever and weight loss, fatigue and an overall feeling of being sick.
Since mesothelioma is an uncommon disease, many doctors do not recognize the signs or misdiagnose them as other diseases. Patients should always consult a doctor if they are experiencing symptoms and inform them about any prior exposure to asbestos.
Doctors will perform a series tests and analyze biopsy specimens to determine mesothelioma. They also conduct imaging tests to check for asbestos-related mesothelioma or other asbestos-related ailments. These tests can include an CT scan as well as an MRI or MRI, the PET scan and a scan with an X-ray.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are not severe and are similar to other, more common illnesses. It can take many years to diagnose patients due to the rare nature of this disease. Asbestos patients should have regular health checks and mention their past exposure to a doctor. This could allow doctors to detect mesothelioma earlier, and offer patients a wider range of treatment options.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma can be a cancer of the tissue that lines the chest cavity, lungs and abdomen (mesothelium). Asbestos fibers settle into the mesothelium over time, which can cause tissue damage and growth of tumors. Symptoms typically appear in the chest or abdomen and may include pain, coughing, weight loss, and difficulty breathing.
Doctors employ a variety of tests to identify mesothelioma. A physical exam is the first step, and it includes asking about any asbestos exposure that occurred in the past. Imaging scans, blood tests and a biopsy are usually performed next.
Imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans are able to identify mesothelium issues including fluid between the lungs, chest wall scarring, as well as other lung problems. MRI and PET scans can be used to detect mesothelium-related tumors as well as other parts of the body.
A biopsy is the most precise way to diagnose a mesothelioma. The biopsy can be used to obtain a direct sample from the mesothelium to determine if mesothelioma was the cause. Doctors can make use of a video-assisted procedure called thoracoscopic surgery biopsy, or a needle inserted under CT guidance into the patient's thorax.
Biopsies can also be used to look for other types of cancer and can be done with an chest CT scan, by thoracentesis or robotically with the thoracoscopic procedure. The biopsy can confirm if mesothelioma affects the pleura, peritoneum, or other organs. A mesothelioma specialist can analyze the results of the biopsy to determine the best possible treatment. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may appear similar to other types cancer and other conditions when viewed through imaging tests, making it vital to have a mesothelioma expert doctor on your team.
Treatment of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, a cancer that is aggressive is a disease that affects the mesothelium. It is a tissue layer that protects organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that have microscopic fibres which was extensively used in construction as a building material, is the main cause. The lung lining (pleura) as well as the abdomen and heart is most often affected by mesothelioma. However other sites such as the testes and peritoneum can be affected as well.
After inhalation, asbestos fibers can get stuck in the linings of the lungs and the chest cavity. As time passes, this can result in the accumulation of scar tissue, which could eventually lead to the formation of tumors. Mesothelioma is not the same as lung cancer, and it may take years for symptoms to manifest.
When Antioch asbestos lawyer is taken on the affected area and the diagnosis of mesothelioma is able to be established. There are four types of mesothelioma, each affecting specific areas of the body. Malignant mesothelioma pleural is the most frequent type, and it forms in the lining of the lungs (pleura). About the 80% of mesothelioma diagnosis each year are due to this type. Patients can be diagnosed at any point from 1 to 4, however, the most common is stage 3.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can be similar to those of other illnesses. This makes it difficult for medical experts to make a precise diagnosis. This is especially relevant in the beginning stages, when symptoms such as a dry cough or chest pain could be present. They are easily confused with other conditions.
The lung lining, abdomen and heart are all made of mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma can spread from one place to another. Peritoneal mesothelioma for instance is found mostly in the lining the abdomen and can trigger similar symptoms, including abdominal pain, distension, and swelling. Pericardial Mesothelioma affects lining of your heart and can cause specific symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and fluid around your heart.
Those who worked with asbestos prior to the 1980s in the 1980s, when asbestos was gradually eliminated, are at greatest risk. This includes construction workers, electricians and electrical technicians; military veterans and those who worked in shipyards or power plants. The vast majority of mesothelioma patients are men who are 55 years old or over. This is because males were more likely to work in areas that could expose them to asbestos, for example, shipbuilding and construction.