Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos compensation as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. 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 at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Additionally, people who have had asbestos case-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

asbestos [prev] fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.

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

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Those who worked 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 issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

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

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often 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 known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used 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 linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos lawyer fibers in their clothing, while family members may inhale asbestos claim fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the disease. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. 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 chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, without obligation. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.