Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at the most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function.

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

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with mesothelioma lawsuits-related history are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually 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 to rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a combination of the two types and accounts between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found 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 industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma attorney affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. mesothelioma lawsuits can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

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

Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The exposure to asbestos attorney is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos lawsuit workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform a physical exam and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (research by the staff of Partnershop). We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.