Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the greatest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also 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 annually. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, may develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, 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, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.

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

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The royal palm beach asbestos lawsuit industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This kind 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 parts of the body, causing tumors to develop.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure Elm grove asbestos attorney. Asbestos was a fibrous material employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email 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 contacted for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.