Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the highest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may develop.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos compensation is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos lawsuit are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. For decades it was employed in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings cars, and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can cause tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming within your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. Then, they can become trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos compensation particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members could inhale them when they clean the clothing.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.