Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations before it was banned in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, could develop.

There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma attorneys vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 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 can be difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who dealt with asbestos 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 irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.

Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members may inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

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

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma lawyers and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit - my company -. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.