Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue could develop.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma lawsuits cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

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

When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings, cars, and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos lawsuits.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.

Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to see a physician for any symptoms that may be related to the disease. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (visit my webpage). We are committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.