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 a major risk factor.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at the highest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

mesothelioma attorneys is a cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand 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 due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, may develop.

There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma lawyer cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. For a long time it was employed in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings cars and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members may breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. 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'll also perform a physical exam and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (Ressourcerie website). We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.