Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners 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 grows in the protective linings that surround various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. 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 due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, may appear.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos law is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, 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 those of other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos legal exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

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. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were the 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 can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos attorney exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

Exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos lawyer-related workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a 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 identified. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.