Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs 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 be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma lawyers. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form 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 first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. For many years, it was used in many American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination 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 related changes are forming in your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos attorney fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos attorneys. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be linked to the condition. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you free of cost, with no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.