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 a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the highest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos lawsuit. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient is 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, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos attorney-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to 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 prior exposure to asbestos legal, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. 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 lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Workers in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to visit your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit, 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 home asbestos fibers on their clothes 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 begins 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 primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They may then get trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, without commitment. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.