Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos settlement exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at highest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may develop.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos (Read the Full Posting) at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos lawyer exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally 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 to rule out other illnesses.

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

During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos case. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. For many years it was utilized in many American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue that can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. It is the most common mesothelioma form, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are 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 greater chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos legal fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.