Mesothelioma From Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the organs' linings within the body. Exposure to asbestos can trigger the disease. The exposure can occur at home or at work.
Mesothelioma most often affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also affect the lining of the stomach or heart, and it may spread to other parts of the body.
Exposure
Exposure to asbestos at work is the major cause of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Exposure to asbestos can occur in a variety of ways, such as working in asbestos mills and mines manufacturing asbestos-containing products; cleaning up asbestos after asbestos work; removing, fixing or replacing asbestos-containing materials; and living near an asbestos facility. It is also possible to be exposed to asbestos in non-work situations, such as when bringing clothing contaminated by asbestos workers or living close to a geological asbestos deposit, such as zeolites (a group of minerals that are chemically identical to asbestos).
Mesothelioma takes between 20 and 50 years to develop after the first exposure to asbestos. This time period is known as the latency period. The most at risk are those who have been exposed to asbestos for the longest time. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma because of the higher exposure rates to asbestos that they encounter in blue-collar jobs and all branches of the military.
Exposure to asbestos may also cause a condition known as mesothelioma pleural. This type of mesothelioma is caused by the pleura. The pleura is a thin membrane that covers the lungs and chest cavity. Asbestos exposure can cause the pleura's walls to become thicker and fibrotic, which makes it difficult for the patient to breathe. The pleura may also develop effusions or fluid pockets that are visible on x-rays.
A person who has been exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period of time may also develop another chronic lung disease known as asbestosis. This is a scarring of the lungs, and can cause breathlessness and chest pain. The disease can also make it difficult for patients to take deep breaths and may cause the sound of a pulsing in their lung, which doctors call rales. Asbestosis can also increase the chances of developing other forms of cancer, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including smoking. However, smoking does not appear to cause mesothelioma, or make it worse. Smoking is not good for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissues that surrounds internal organs. Exposure to asbestos fibers can increase the risk of developing the disease. It is found in the lining around the lungs, called pleural mesothelioma, or in the lining of the abdomen.
Mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used for brakes, insulation and shingles prior to the 1970s. Workers who handled or removed these products were exposed to the tiny asbestos fibers. They are breathed in or taken into the body which causes irritation and eventually lead to mesothelioma. People who worked in industries such as mining, construction manufacturing, and asbestos removal are at a higher chance of developing the disease.
The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It occurs when the asbestos fibers are inhaled and then become embedded within the lining of the chest cavity and lungs (pleura). The asbestos fibers cause damage to healthy tissue over time. This can lead to formation of scar tissue or malignant mesothelioma tumors.
People suffering from this type of mesothelioma experience shortness of breath, coughing as well as chest pain and an abdominal lump. They may also experience fatigue and fever. A doctor will conduct an examination of the body and create an medical record in the event that mesothelioma is identified. To confirm the diagnosis, blood tests, imaging scans and a biopsy are ordered.
There are a myriad of asbestos-related diseases that can be mistaken for mesothelioma. It is essential to talk to a mesothelioma lawyer that has expertise in this field to increase your chances of receiving a correct diagnosis. The lawyer will review your case and determine if you are eligible to receive compensation. You may be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit to receive the financial help you're entitled. It is important to get in touch with a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as you can.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibers lodge in the cellular linings of the membranes of the pleura (near the lungs) or the peritoneum (near the abdominal cavity). In the majority of cases the disease manifests in the pleura. Pleural mesothelioma makes it difficult to breathe due to the accumulation of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall.
It takes years for the disease to develop. This is the reason that many people diagnosed with mesothelioma are retired workers or older adults. Men are more likely suffer from mesothelioma than women because they have historically been employed in positions in which exposure to asbestos was more frequent, such as shipbuilding and construction.
Asbestos fibers when inhaled, irritate the pleura, which is the liner that runs along the lungs. The irritation triggers the body to create tumors that may spread to other areas of the body. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma could include difficulty breathing, chest pain and swelling, and constant coughing.
overland park asbestos lawsuit diagnose mesothelioma using an examination and analyzing symptoms. They will order imaging scans in order to detect abnormal tissue, for example, tumors. They also inquire about the person's work history and whether relatives have had similar exposure to asbestos.
If the doctors suspect mesothelioma they'll perform an examination. In the course of the procedure, doctors take small pieces of the tumor and analyze them using a microscope to detect cancer cells. The type of biopsy that is used is based on the location and the size of the tumor.
In cases of pleural mesothelioma doctors will often perform needle biopsy to collect an in-depth sample of the tumor. This involves putting the needle, which is long and thin, through the skin of the chest between the ribs and into the pleura. The doctors insert the needle after having numbed the area in question by using local anesthetic.
The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will determine which treatment options are available and the prognosis, or expected outcome. The two most common mesothelioma types are epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Biphasic mesothelioma is a lesser-known type and includes a mix of both cell types.
Treatment
Most people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma spent years working in positions which exposed them to asbestos. It was most often in jobs related either to shipbuilding or construction. Even though asbestos is no longer used in buildings, old building materials and products may still contain it. It is also present in sports equipment, cars and other items that were made before the material was banned for use.
Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibres that are easily inhaled and can become airborne. These particles are then deposited in the lungs, where they cause irritation. If the irritation continues cancer cells may form tumors that grow on the lining of your lungs. The disease generally takes a few years to develop, which is why the majority of patients with mesothelioma are now retired.
Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer. The symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, and are not apparent until later in the course of the disease. There are no screening tests for the disease, so it is difficult to identify.
The treatment options for mesothelioma rely on the type and the location of the cancer. Patients with pleural mesothelioma undergo surgery to remove cancerous tissue and improve breathing and other symptoms. Other options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and the combination of both.
A doctor may suggest pleurodesis to those who aren't candidates for surgery. Video assisted thoracic (VATS) surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to perform the procedure. If a patient is not eligible for VATS, a Pleural drainage procedure can be utilized to alleviate shortness of breath and pain.
Radiation therapy uses high energy beams to shrink lung tumors and kill cancer cells. Doctors will often combine it with other cancer treatments to get the optimal results.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may be painful and debilitating. Patients and their families can work with a mesothelioma doctor to find the best treatments. A team of experts will design an individual treatment plan that will reduce symptoms and improve survival chances. Palliative care is an alternative that patients can discuss with their physicians. This type of treatment focuses on improving the quality of life of patients by reducing symptoms and discomfort.