Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships 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 substances may result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, may develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos legal and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Those 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 that can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to see your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination and order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin, and. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that 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, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. 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 fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members may breathe in asbestos lawsuit fibers as they clean their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been identified. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll send it to you at no cost, with no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.