Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at highest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos lawsuit as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include breathing problems, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may appear.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. It is often 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 diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos lawsuit. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos law exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. For decades it was employed in a variety of American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos (check out this one from rudavision.com).

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those exposed to asbestos attorney are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos claim often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

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