Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that protect various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, could develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). 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 is located around vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower 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. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with Asbestos Legal exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

The physician may also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. 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 determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.

In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

asbestos claim, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For many years it was employed in a variety of American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos settlement exposure.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. These individuals could then 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 begins when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members may breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest X-ray to look for signs of 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. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available.

The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.