Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that surround various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma history are among these groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition 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 mesothelioma's final stages. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos compensation, and perform a physical 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 imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

When they perform an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos compensation industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings, cars and many other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is crucial to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of those exposed to asbestos legal are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. Then, they can become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos compensation particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician for any symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.