Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most commonly, 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. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses, including 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, including weight loss and fatigue could develop.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that 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 risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

The physician may also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos claim. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

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

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and 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 like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos lawsuit exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure Asbestos Legal. asbestos lawsuit is a fibrous mineral that was utilized in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They may then get stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos case fibers while cleaning the clothing.

Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you free of cost, without obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.