Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. 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 because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos attorney as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing problems and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may 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 are diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma lawsuits diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma lawyers the patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two first types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. For decades it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to visit your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will do a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to develop.

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

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members may breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the condition. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests 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 has been identified. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask nurses any questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.