Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma attorneys due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may develop.

There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

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. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

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

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. For decades it was employed in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue, which can result in tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.

While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the available treatments. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (cool training). We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.