Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

asbestos legal was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with mesothelioma history are among these groups. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

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

The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

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 a few thousand people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. For decades it was employed in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings, cars, and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

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

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

Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to visit your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos 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 causing the formation of tumors.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. asbestos case was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then become lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos case-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. These include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. 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 improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no commitment. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.