Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos claim can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, could develop.

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

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.

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

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of 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 used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

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

asbestos [check out this one from Pirooztak] is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue, which could cause tumors.

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

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They can then become stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

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

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a doctor if you have symptoms that could be linked to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand 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.