Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that protect various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

It is difficult to identify 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, such as weight loss and fatigue may develop.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent kind 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 peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. In addition, those who have received asbestos litigation-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

asbestos case fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.

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

When they perform the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. 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 heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was employed in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to 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. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could cause tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos litigation fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. asbestos attorney is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

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

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These could include chemo, surgery 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 though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.