Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs in the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor 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 is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what 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-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos settlement.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause 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 conduct physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos settlement are at a greater risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of 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 most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. Then, they can become lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of those who worked with asbestos litigation are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos compensation fibers when cleaning their 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 related to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, without obligation. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.