Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that surround various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing 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 distinct prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses 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 at risk of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or 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, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos lawsuit exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. For decades it was utilized in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Workers in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

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

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos legal fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to form.

Exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in 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 legal workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos litigation fibers back home on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

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

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation on the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.