Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses 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 greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses, 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.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove 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 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 two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma lawyer is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings, cars and many other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains 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 perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma lawyer. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit [Read Even more]. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.