Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at greatest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships 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.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.

When 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 found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with mesothelioma history are among these groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

mesothelioma lawsuits develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

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

When they perform an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For decades it was utilized in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable 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 exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos lawyer or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to visit your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then 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 grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you free of charge, no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (Suggested Browsing). We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.