Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect 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 occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at the highest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but 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 it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend 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 may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos litigation. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos law industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may require 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 any changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos attorney are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

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

Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include a 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 diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far 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 this condition and the available treatments. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.