Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the greatest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs of the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, could develop.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses 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 more at risk of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to Asbestos Legal at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos claim exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. 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 is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For many years it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

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

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos lawyer fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

Exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos compensation fibers while cleaning the clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to see a physician when you experience symptoms that may be related to the disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.