Asbestos & Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma

Asbestos has not been connected to the rare vascular tumor Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma (KHE), but it does contribute to cancers of the lung, throat, stomach, colon-rectum and ovaries.

The connection between asbestos and certain aggressive cancers like mesothelioma has become common knowledge in recent years as many have sought compensation for their exposure to the mineral and the subsequent damaging health effects they have experienced. 

The widespread application of asbestos in the United States began as early as the 1800s when it was employed commercially for building and construction. Its use grew with time, being incorporated into everything from items in the automotive industry, interior home products like paint and tile, and some miscellaneous products like crayons and certain gardening aids containing vermiculite. 

It wasn’t until the 1970s that concerns over exposure became public enough for concerted efforts to be taken to limit its use. The first instance of asbestos being banned occurred when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission deemed wallboard patching and gas fireplaces containing ACMs unsafe due to the potential for asbestos to be released into the environment. Further bans were implemented soon after, and the reduced application of asbestos became more commonplace in the late ‘80s and moving forward. 

Unfortunately, for many, these restrictions came too late. It can take up to 50 years for complications related to asbestos exposure to develop, and many individuals who are now experiencing symptoms of asbestos-related diseases came in contact with the substance long ago. 

While we now have a strong understanding of the correlation between asbestos and mesothelioma, those who have been exposed in the past may be curious to know whether symptoms of other conditions like kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) could be the result of breathing in asbestos fibers. In this article, we will explore KHE, the potential connection between asbestos exposure and its development, and what can be done in the aftermath.

What Is Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma?

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma sounds similar to mesothelioma, but it is vastly different with regards to how it affects the body and the prognosis of those diagnosed. Whether you have been officially diagnosed or you are concerned about developing KHE after asbestos exposure, here’s what you need to know.

Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma: Not Cancer, but Something Else

KHE is a form of benign tumor that has been found to grow in blood vessels. That being said, it is important to note that these tumors most commonly grow under the skin. In some cases, they may form in the abdomen or in the chest cavity. The good news is that KHE is non-cancerous and will not spread to other parts of the body.

Who Develops KHE?

Unlike mesothelioma, KHE is incredibly rare. It remains unknown how many people have had it or how many people may currently have these tumors in their vascular system. What is well-known is that KHE is typically diagnosed at a very young age, either shortly after childbirth or before individuals reach the age of one year old.

Symptoms and Treatment

Certain characteristics of KHE are still vague, like the exact causes behind the development of the condition or the prognosis of those who have experienced advanced tumor growth (albeit, in a single location). However, identifying the symptoms of KHE and understanding how it is treated is currently possible thanks to advancements in medicine. 

Symptoms of KHE include: 

●       Pain in the area where the growth is located.

●       Difficulty moving the affected area.

●       Warmth emanating from the tumor.

●       Puffiness in the affected area and a purple hue to the skin. 

KHE is typically diagnosed through lab tests like bloodwork (patients with KHE often exhibit low platelet count and increased bleeding, leading them to suspect something is wrong), imaging to identify the location of the tumor, and size of the tumor, and a biopsy to successfully identify KHE. 

KHE treatments will vary depending on the specific case in question. However, current treatment options for those with KHE include: 

●       Surgery to remove the tumor.

●       Steroids (although this may not always work to successfully treat KHE).

●       Chemotherapy (KHE is not cancerous, but chemotherapy can work to target large tumors and diminish their size and impact over time).

●       Embolization therapy to cut off blood supply to the tumor in order to kill it and stop its growth.

●       In some cases, doctors may wait and see if the tumor goes away on its own or if it fails to produce any noticeable effects on the body. 

Those few patients who have received KHE diagnoses who were able to spot symptoms early experienced mostly positive results. Therefore, it’s important for individuals who were noticing symptoms to stay on top of their health and schedule a check-up right away. Getting the necessary treatment early enough can stop the tumor in its tracks.

¿Qué es el asbesto?

Despite greater awareness surrounding asbestos and the various cancers that might stem from exposure to the mineral, few may understand exactly what it is, where they may have encountered it, and the risk factors that could play into illnesses they are experiencing now or may experience in the future. Developing a comprehensive understanding of asbestos and its connection to major health problems is critical to seeking out the right support for each unique situation.

Asbestos: A Once Helpful Industrial Compound Turned Banned Mineral

Asbestos is not a name that refers to just one mineral, but rather, several minerals including actinolite, anthophyllite, amosite, crocidolite, vermiculite, tremolite, and chrysotile. Asbestos is a mineral characterized by its easily breakable composition (by which it can be broken down into fine thread-like fibers), fire and electricity resistance, and easy absorption into the body, where there is a risk that asbestos fibers may never leave the sites to which they attach.

Who Is Most Affected by Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is more common than people may be led to believe. Available data reveals that asbestos is responsible for a substantial number of cancer cases (especially lung cancer) – not just those cancers that are exclusive to exposure like malignant mesothelioma. Additionally, mesothelioma deaths affect approximately 38,400 individuals worldwide annually. 

Some of the most commonly affected groups of individuals include: 

●       Those in construction and building trades

●       Demolition workers

●       Firefighters

●       Shipyard workers

●       Auto mechanics

●       Veterans

●       Spouses and children of workers exposed to asbestos

Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure

Again, while mesothelioma is one type of illness connected to asbestos exposure, it is not the only one. There are numerous illnesses and symptoms that may arise due to breathing in, and otherwise absorbing, asbestos fibers. Some of the signs of asbestos exposure include:

●       Coughing up blood

●       Shortness of breath

●       Wheezing or hoarseness when breathing

●       Difficulty swallowing

●       Pain or tightness in the chest

●       Trouble swallowing

●       Loss of appetite

●       Swelling in the neck or around the face

●       Fatigue

●       Anemia

●       Weight loss

●       Persistent coughing 

Symptoms like the above may indicate that an individual has developed: 

●       Lung cancer

●       Larynx cancer

●       Ovarian cancer

●       Kidney cancer

●       Asbestosis

●       Pleural plagues or effusions

●       KHE

●       Cardiovascular diseases

●       A number of other physical disorders

The Relationship Between Kapsoiform Hemangioendothelioma and Asbestos

As we’ve established, KHE is a rare vascular tumor that is typically diagnosed shortly after childbirth or by the time a child reaches one year old. At this time the exact causes behind the development of KHE are not clearly understood, and there’s no strong evidence to link asbestos exposure to kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. However, this fact might raise questions about the possibility of individuals being exposed to asbestos in utero. 

That being said, some KHE patients have been diagnosed much later in life. One case of a man who suffered a sustained pulmonary hemorrhage revealed hemangioma of the peritoneum and pleura, alongside supplemental findings of diffuse pleural plaques and an increased number of asbestos particles in the pulmonary parenchyma. The findings of the benign yet large and impactful growths led those involved in the case to believe that the asbestos particles played a role in the development of these tumors. 

While more evidence would need to be collected, it is not a substantial reach to connect asbestos with KHE. After all, asbestos is a known carcinogen that can contribute to any number of cancers like cancers of the lung, throat, stomach, colon, rectum, and ovaries. Additionally, it could lead to diseases like asbestosis, which causes severe symptoms but is non-cancerous. The fibers themselves are foreign objects inside tissues that could cause a host of complications as the body tries to fight against them. 

Regardless of the outcome that occurs when one is exposed to asbestos fibers, having to manage treatment for asbestos-related cancers and other conditions can take a toll on an individual physically, mentally, and financially. Medical costs usually begin to add up at the same time it becomes more difficult for a patient to work. Luckily, compensation is available to offset some of these costs.

AsbestosClaims.Law: Helping to Navigate Asbestos Cases

Exposure to asbestos can be life-altering, even if symptoms don’t manifest until decades later. Because asbestos exposure is so impactful, it is not only crucial to make sure that you’re receiving the necessary medical care, but also receiving the proper legal support as you seek compensation for the physical and financial damage that asbestos-related disease or cancer has wrought on your life. 

Thankfully, AsbestosClaims.Law is here to help you navigate the justice system and provide you with the guidance and support you need to get the compensation you deserve. Our seasoned team only focuses on asbestos law, ensuring that you get the experienced support you might not receive with other law offices that have broader focuses. Choosing AsbestosClaims.Law to help you navigate your asbestos-related challenges also provides you with… 

●       Extensive educational resources to help you learn more about asbestos exposure, treatment options and resources, and the different types of asbestos that may have contributed to your current health challenges.

●       The ability to file asbestos trust claims, accessing funds previously set up by companies through bankruptcy proceedings to offset the costs of future litigation.

●       A free legal consultation to learn more about asbestos claims and to help us learn more about how we could best support your unique needs moving forward.

●       A team dedicated to ensuring that you receive maximum compensation, transparent communication and guidance, and an attorney who truly cares about your struggles and the unique challenges you face dealing with an asbestos-related illness.

●       A contingency fee structure to ensure that you will not have to pay any upfront costs should you wish to seek compensation for your asbestos injury.

●       Support for direct, second-hand and even third-hand exposure. 

Dealing with an asbestos-related illness is difficult enough. No one impacted by asbestos should also have to pay exorbitant amounts of money to secure proficient legal counsel or wonder if their legal counsel has their best interests in mind. 

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and have developed an asbestos-related disease, reach out to AsbestosClaims.Law to receive your free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.