Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-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 could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma 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 found in the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

During a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos lawsuits.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue that can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos lawyer fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. The asbestos attorney-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was utilized in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos attorney fibers home on their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.

Even though mesothelioma may be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.