Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma in their family. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

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

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.

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

During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a combination of the two 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 the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. For decades, it was used in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.

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

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common and affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can trigger 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.

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos lawyer fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.

Exposure to asbestos attorneys is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. Then, they can become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have 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. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (read more on Medflyfish`s official blog). We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.