Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

asbestos case was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at highest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.

There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos lawyer-related workers, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos settlement exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous 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 physician may also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a combination of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) however 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 cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos litigation or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors.

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

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

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. Then, they can become stuck in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that may be related to the condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to Asbestos Legal. They will also perform physical examinations and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.