Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, mesothelioma attorney maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue could develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma lawyers. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.

In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years, it was used in many American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can result in tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is crucial to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for mesothelioma lawsuits

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.

The exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members could inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to determine if you have 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 identified. These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (just click the next article). We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.