Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. 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 diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, could develop.

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

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos lawsuit. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. For decades it was utilized in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos (check out this one from Rantadi) fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of those who worked with asbestos lawsuit are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos lawyer. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.