chattanooga asbestos lawyer , industrial workers, military veterans and others who worked with asbestos-contaminated products are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The constant exposure to asbestos fibers causes chronic inflammation, which can cause damage to the mesothelium. DNA changes can also be caused by this inflammation.
The risk of malignant mesothelioma increases proportionally to cumulative exposure, and to a third or fourth power from the first exposure. It could take between 10 and 50 years following exposure for symptoms to appear.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is one type of cancer that is found in the cells that cover body areas, known as the mesothelium. The mesothelium lining protects organs as well as other tissues by lubricating them so that they slide against each other without difficulty. Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that can grow to other parts of the body, and affect the lungs, heart and abdomen. Other symptoms include fatigue and chest pain.
It could take as long as 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest. This makes it difficult to recognize by medical professionals. It can also be mistaken for other conditions such as pneumonia or flu.
Patients may experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent coughing and chest pain, or a change in the shape of the nails and fingers, called clubbing. In addition, patients with mesothelioma may develop a swelling of fluid in the belly or chest (peritoneal mesothelioma) which is referred to as an pleural effusion.
Unlike lung cancer, mesothelioma is not evident on imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, until the cancer has grown over a period of time. Doctors are required to conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This can be done by bronchoscopy, or a needle biopsy.
These diagnostic procedures can help doctors to make a mesothelioma diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for the patient. Doctors can also review the history of an individual's asbestos exposure to determine if they are at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses.
The greatest risk is for people exposed to asbestos at their workplaces. People who work in high-risk jobs include those working in shipbuilding, construction and other blue-collar sectors as well as veterans of the United States Armed Forces. People who live with asbestos-exposed workers also are at risk of developing mesothelioma especially if they bring asbestos fibers from the workplace on their clothing.
Those who have been diagnosed as having mesothelioma can benefit from visiting their physician regularly for a checkup, and discussing any health concerns that are related to asbestos. This is particularly important since mesothelioma may be mistakenly attributed to other diseases, such as asbestosis.
Diagnosis
The earliest symptoms of mesothelioma typically appear like flu or a gastrointestinal problem. The long time of latency means that patients could be afflicted for 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The fact that it is similar to other diseases can make it difficult to identify. The location of the body part affected can also affect the symptoms.
The first step is to talk with your primary care physician or a different doctor who can pinpoint the source of your symptoms. They will ask for an entire medical history and check to determine whether exposure to asbestos has been mentioned. They will also perform an examination and run the basic tests like blood work or X rays.
A biopsy may be required to confirm a diagnosis, dependent on the type of mesothelioma. The biopsy involves inserting a needle into the chest or abdomen to collect a small amount of the tissue. The tissue is then examined in a laboratory to search for mesothelioma cancerous cells. Mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid or sarcomatoid, and both are malignant. 70% of mesothelioma are epithelioid. the remainder is sarcomatoid.
After a mesothelioma biopsied procedure has been performed, doctors can create a treatment plan. They will refer the patient to an expert for advice on the best treatment option for their particular condition.
Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is made up of minerals that appear like a clump of tiny fibers. These fibers can be found in rock, soil and are released into the atmosphere during mining and construction. When inhaled, the fibers become stuck in the lung and cause inflammation. This could eventually cause mesothelioma to develop. The cancer usually occurs in the lungs. However, it can be found in the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the testicles.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is an abnormal growth of cells that invade the surrounding organs and tissues. Cancerous cells may also expand to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Treatment options for mesothelioma vary according to the type of cancer and the location. Today, doctors utilize chemotherapy and surgery to treat mesothelioma. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with chemotherapy or surgery. Its goal is to destroy cancerous cells and reduce the pain and swelling associated mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure can lead to asbestosis, a non-cancerous condition that results in scarring of the lungs and other parts of the body. It can also cause mesothelioma, which is a more severe form of asbestos illness that's typically fatal. Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer, usually affects the lungs and abdomen. Symptoms include chest pain, breathlessness, and coughing. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed by X-rays as well as CT scans. The resulting images show areas of higher density, which could indicate scar tissue or a tumor mass. Doctors can conduct an bronchoscopy or needle biopsy to determine the difference.
A bronchoscopy is done by inserting an extremely thin flexible tube into the respiratory passages in order to visualize the tissue and take samples for testing. A needle biopsy involves injecting liquid into the area to remove a small amount of tissue for testing. Both procedures are painful, but the results can help doctors identify asbestosis and mesothelioma.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other illnesses, and can develop as long as 50 years after initial exposure. The latency period between asbestos exposure and onset of symptoms can make it difficult to diagnose the disease. Many people are misdiagnosed as having other diseases, such as flu or pneumonia.
Scientists aren't sure the causes of mesothelioma however they do know that asbestos exposure increases the risk. Asbestos can be exposed through industries like asbestos mining, manufacturing, and construction. In addition, asbestos-containing materials are often carried by workers to homes and other workplaces where the fibers are ingested or inhaled. Amphibole asbestos fibers and snakeine asbestos are the most common types of asbestos in mesothelioma. The type of asbestos known as serpentine is less cancerous than the amphibole type, however both can cause illness.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue lining internal organs. It usually occurs because of exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals that are strong and resistant to heat. It is believed that asbestos fibers are absorbed into the lungs, and cause irritation to the membranes and cause cancer. As time passes the irritation could cause genetic mutations that can lead to the growth of tumors.
Asbestos can be uncovered in many different ways, like during manufacturing, mining, cleaning or repairing asbestos products. You may also be exposed at home through washing or wearing asbestos-containing clothes. Certain people are more at risk of developing mesothelioma because of their family history of the disease or a predisposition to it due to other factors, such as genetics.
Mesothelioma patients may experience a number of symptoms, which often mimic other illnesses. It can be difficult for doctors diagnose mesothelioma in its early stages. It is important that people who have been exposed to asbestos inform their doctor and request regular checks.
The majority of mesothelioma cases can be attributed to occupational asbestos exposure. However, research shows that environmental asbestos exposure can also cause mesothelioma. Asbestos dust may spread from workplaces to areas where people live. Residents who live within 2000 meters of an asbestos mine or cement plant are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Some patients with mesothelioma are diagnosed with a lung condition called asbestosis before their mesothelioma begins. Asbestosis causes thickening of the lung and can make it difficult to breathe. This condition can lead people to require oxygen at home and they may also have to undergo lung surgeries such as an lung lobectomy.
Some people with mesothelioma also receive treatment for their symptoms. They might be prescribed drugs to help them breathe or participate in clinical trials to test new treatments. Early diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma may improve the chances of survival. Some patients who have received multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgery have been able extend their lives by up to 10 years.