Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of structures, homes aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos attorneys and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans 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 what kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two first types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who worked with asbestos lawsuit were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors.

Different mesothelioma types 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 mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may 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, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also 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 changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members may inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma attorneys and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (Related Site). We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.