Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

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

There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent 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 type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military 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 occurs in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos litigation. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos case exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. People who worked 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 which can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can result in tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to visit your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos law. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos lawsuit particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members 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.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a physician for any symptoms that could be linked to the disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

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 this condition and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you free of charge, no obligation. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation on the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.