Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. These early symptoms can include breathing problems, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may appear.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and interferes with their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

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

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

asbestos lawsuits fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos lawsuit exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (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. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings, cars and many 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 may cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. 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 responsible 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 inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit [visit this link]. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.