Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form 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 that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is 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 develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses like lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

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

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The 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 cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.

The doctor might 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. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive process.

During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix 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), though it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. 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 properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos compensation were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. 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 in 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 most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. 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 fibers are ingested and inhaled. Then, they can become lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it, 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 could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning 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. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos law. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.