Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the most risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma lawyers types include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

mesothelioma attorney is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method 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. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two first types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties 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 which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to see your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident within your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma lawsuits risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (Recommended Internet page). We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.