Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers 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.

The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may develop.

There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have had asbestos law-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos lawyer in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. For decades it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue, which can cause tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may 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. This is because workers 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 fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at 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, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos (click through the next document). The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.