Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at highest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body called the mesothelium. 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 testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos settlement as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

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 who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. 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 can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 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 occurs 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 fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and many other products. Construction workers were at the highest 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 issues. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. 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 were exposed to asbestos legal are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. Then, they can become lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a physician if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, without commitment. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.