Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at most danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that protect different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and disrupts their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% 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 greater chance of developing mesothelioma 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 received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

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

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its 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 point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

In a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two primary types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time it was employed in a variety of American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos lawsuit were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct an examination and order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos attorney fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand 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 exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos legal and were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.