Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos law when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue could develop.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos - our homepage - industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Also, those who have had asbestos settlement-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos claim exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a combination of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. For decades, it was used in many American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can 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 prevalent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. Then, they can become trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos legal, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance 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 home on 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 if your symptoms are related to this condition. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.