Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% 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 come into contact with asbestos legal (Dsmet noted) is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is rare, and its 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 stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

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 the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets 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 mineral that occurs naturally that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars and many other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos case or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. Then, they can become trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of those who worked with asbestos compensation are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members can inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the disease. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.