Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form 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 many occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs in the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct structures, homes aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos settlement as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for just 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. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos lawsuit exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.

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

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. For decades it was utilized in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos compensation industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships cars, and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue that can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common and affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty 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 the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of those exposed to asbestos lawsuit have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos law brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members may inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential 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 you about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.