Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the most risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that surround various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The exposure to asbestos lawsuits is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, which makes 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 can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

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

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.

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

During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

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 pericardium. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos attorney. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. For many years, it was used in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings automobiles and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading 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 as well as the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos attorney-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos attorneys fibers home 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 type of secondhand 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, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

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

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe them when they clean the clothing.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be related to the disease. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll deliver it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (browse around this site). We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.