Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower 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 mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

asbestos case fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. For decades it was employed in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos lawsuit.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look 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 connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos legal 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 and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos attorney. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They may then get lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be related to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.