Mesothelioma From Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of certain organs in the body. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. The exposure can occur at the workplace or at home.
Mesothelioma most often affects the lung's lining (pleura). It can also affect the linings of the stomach or the heart and may also spread to other parts.
Exposure
Occupational exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Exposure to asbestos can occur in a variety of ways, including working in asbestos mines and mills; manufacturing asbestos products; cleaning up asbestos after asbestos-related work; removing, repairing or replacing asbestos-containing materials and living close to an asbestos-related facility. It is also possible to be exposed to asbestos in non-occupational situations such as taking home asbestos-contaminated clothing from asbestos workers or living close to an asbestos-rich geological deposit like the zeolites (a group of minerals that are chemically identical to asbestos).
Mesothelioma takes between 20 and 50 years to develop following initial exposure to asbestos. This period of time is referred to as the latency period. The people who were exposed asbestos for the longest duration of time are the most at risk. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma due to the higher exposure rates to asbestos that they encounter in blue-collar jobs and all branches of military.
salem asbestos attorney to asbestos may also cause a condition known as pleural mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma is caused by the pleura. The Pleura is a thin layer lining the chest cavity and lungs. Asbestos exposure can cause the pleura's walls to become thicker and fibrotic, making it hard for the patient to breathe. The pleura can also develop effusions or fluid pockets which are visible on x-rays.
Someone who has been exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time may also develop a chronic lung disease known as asbestosis. This is a scarring in the lungs that can result in chest pain and a shortness of breath. The disease can also make it difficult for patients to take deep breaths and may cause the sound of a pulsing in their lungs, which doctors call rales. Asbestosis can also increase the chances of developing other types of cancer, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Smoking cigarettes is one of the many factors that can cause asbestosis. Smoking cigarettes does not appear to cause or increase the risk of mesothelioma. It is essential for people who have been exposed to asbestos to quit smoking if they want to improve their health.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue that surrounds internal organs. The exposure to asbestos fibers increases the chance of developing this disease which is found in the tissue around the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or in the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Mesothelioma can develop between 15 and fifty years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a natural mineral used in the manufacture of brakes, insulation and shingles prior to the 1970s. Workers who handled or removed these products were exposed to the asbestos fibers that were microscopic. The fibers are breathed in or ingested into the body, where they cause irritation and can lead to mesothelioma. The highest risk is for those who have worked in industries such as construction, mining and manufacturing.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is the most frequent. It occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled and then become embedded in the lining of chest cavity and the lungs (pleura). The asbestos fibers cause damage to healthy tissue over time. This causes the formation of scar tissue and malignant mesothelioma cancers.
This form of mesothelioma causes coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and a lump. They may also experience fatigue or fever. If mesothelioma is diagnosed, doctors will conduct a medical history and do a physical exam. Imaging scans, blood tests and a biopsy may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
Other asbestos-related diseases could be misinterpreted as mesothelioma. To increase your odds of receiving the correct diagnosis, it is essential to talk to a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer. The lawyer will review your case and determine if you're eligible for compensation. You might be able to make a mesothelioma claim to receive the financial aid you deserve. It is crucial to contact a mesothelioma lawyer immediately.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma develops from asbestos fibers lodging in the cellular lining of two membranes: the pleura near the lungs or the peritoneum close to the abdominal cavity. In most cases the disease is found in the pleura. Pleural mesothelioma makes breathing difficult due to a buildup of fluid in the lung space and the chest wall.
The disease generally develops over a period of time and is the reason why those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are often older people or retired workers. Men are more likely to have mesothelioma than women, because they've worked in jobs where asbestos exposure was more common, including construction and shipbuilding.
When inhaled, asbestos fibers irritate the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. The irritation triggers the body to create tumors that may spread to other areas of the body. The symptoms include chest pain, swelling and constant coughing.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma by physical examination and studying symptoms. They will order imaging scans, which help to identify tissue abnormalities like tumors. They will also inquire about the individual's background and work history, as well as whether any family members have been exposed to asbestos.
A biopsy is done if the doctors suspect mesothelioma. In the course of the procedure, doctors take small pieces of the tumor and examine them under a microscope to search for cancer cells. The type of biopsy depends on the size and location of the tumor.
In cases of pleural asbestosis, physicians usually perform needle biopsy to obtain an in-depth sample. This involves putting the needle, which is long and thin, through the chest's skin between the ribs and into the pleura. The surgeons insert the needle after numbing the area with a local anesthetic.
The type of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options available and the prognosis or expected outcome. The two most common types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Biphasic Mesothelioma, which is less common has a mix of both types of cells.
Treatment
Most people with pleural sarcoidosis spent years in jobs that exposed asbestos. It was typically when they worked in shipbuilding or construction. Even though asbestos is no longer being used in buildings, older building materials and products may contain asbestos. It can also be found in sports equipment, cars and other items that were made before the material was banned to use.
Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibers that can be airborne and easily inhaled. These particles settle in the lung and cause irritation. If the irritation continues to be severe it could lead to cancer cells that form tumors in the lung's lining. Because the disease typically takes a long time to develop and spread the majority of mesothelioma patients have retired.
Mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer that can be fatal is a rare cancer. The symptoms often mimic other conditions and do not show until the end of the disease. There are no screening tests for the disease, therefore it can be difficult to determine the cause.
Treatment options for mesothelioma are dependent on the type and location. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma undergo surgery to remove the cancerous tissue and improve breathing as well as other symptoms. Other options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and a combination.
If you're not a candidate for surgery, a doctor might recommend draining the excess fluid in the chest, a procedure known as pleurodesis. Video assisted thoracic (VATS) surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure which can be used to complete the procedure. If a patient isn't eligible for VATS, a pleural drainage can be used to alleviate shortness of breath and pain.
Radiation therapy employs high energy beams to reduce lung tumors and kill cancer cells. Doctors typically combine it with other cancer treatments to achieve best results.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can be painful and debilitating. However, patients and their families can work with a mesothelioma doctor to find the right treatments to manage the symptoms. A team of experts will create an individual treatment plan to reduce symptoms and improve the chance of survival. Patients can also talk to their doctor about palliative treatment, which concentrates on improving the quality of life by relieving discomfort and decreasing symptoms.