Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the highest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, could develop.

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

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma lawsuits are among these groups. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.

The physician may also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma attorneys.

Causes of mesothelioma attorneys

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was employed in many American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings, cars, and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. This is the most common mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may request imaging scans 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 could be connected to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma lawsuit.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos attorneys fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.

While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemo, surgery 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 yet, the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.