Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, may develop.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos compensation industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The physician may also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two first types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has properties that resist heat. For many years it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos compensation.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue that can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, it is important to see your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those exposed to Asbestos legal are at a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos compensation often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was 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 ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos lawsuit. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, with no obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be contacted to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.