Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that protect various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, may develop.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

mesothelioma lawsuits is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

The doctor may also suggest scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos-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, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it 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 may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma attorneys may be rare, it's important to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawyer lawsuit (learn here). We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.