Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

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

There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma attorneys, the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

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

When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two first types and accounts between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. 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 especially lucrative for the construction sector in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships cars, and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may 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 diseases. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them 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

Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to form.

The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They may then get stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members could inhale them when they clean the clothing.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma lawyers, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know 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 is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (Discover More Here). We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.