Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. asbestos legal was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos compensation can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for only 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 are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma history are among these groups. Also, those who have received asbestos litigation-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing Mesothelioma Case rises when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

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

In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings cars, and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers begins when 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 was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members may breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about the treatment options. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.