Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts 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 utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers 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. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may appear.

There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those 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 chance of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. The symptoms are often confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

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

The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.

When they perform the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

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

Different types of mesothelioma lawyer may affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to see your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. Then, they can become stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma lawsuits is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a physician if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.