Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos case can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to see your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos (Yatesrelates says) are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

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

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.