Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The primary 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?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders 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 with microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases 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 for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

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

During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos litigation exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue, which can result in tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as 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 can be misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination and order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those 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 type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to develop.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause 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 family members of those who worked with asbestos legal are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos (click for source) fibers in their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest X-ray to look for signs of 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 is diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. 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 speak to an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.