Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at most risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body called the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, could develop.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma attorney and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos lawyer exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings, cars, and other products. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming within your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin, and. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then become 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. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma lawsuit is not a common occurrence, it is important to see a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

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

The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.