Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. 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 houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

asbestos claim fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

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

During a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos claim industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

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

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present within your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those exposed to asbestos 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 type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause 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 even family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos case fibers home on their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to see a doctor for any symptoms that could be linked to the condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you at no charge, no commitment. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.