Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at most danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A sample of the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

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

In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Workers in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

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

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos lawsuits fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.

Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. Then, they can become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma lawyer.

The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a doctor 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 inquire about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma attorney and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (look here). We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.