Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in 1970. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma attorney which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.

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

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

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

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and 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, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination and order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident within your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

Exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma lawyer.

People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about the treatment options. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma attorney, and how far along it has advanced.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.