Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

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

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos lawyer is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. It is often mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos settlement, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

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

During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos litigation exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. For decades it was employed in a variety of American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos attorney were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct 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 mesothelioma related changes are present within your body.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be related to the condition. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.