Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and disrupts their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside, including 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, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform an 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 doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate 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. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, it is important to visit your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma lawyer develops when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma lawyer. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to check for 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 identified. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you free of charge, no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma Lawsuit (stairways.wiki). We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.