Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the highest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, may develop.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos settlement-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos case, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos lawsuit industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos legal (anchor) often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then become stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be contacted to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.