Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. The most significant 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, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the highest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

asbestos settlement fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may 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 diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. 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 naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

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

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos attorney frequently brought home asbestos case fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their 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 begins when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.