Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

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

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect 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 perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

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 pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma lawyer gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings cars and many other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.

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

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to see your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma lawsuit related changes are forming in your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma lawyers is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma lawsuits.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this disease. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemo 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 available treatments. We'll send it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (visit my webpage). We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.