Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at the most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

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

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos Legal exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid 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 diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For many years, it was used in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can cause tumors.

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

Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to visit your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present in your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos legal fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. 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

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. asbestos attorney is a fibrous material that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos claim particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members may inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

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

The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.