Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at greatest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos claim exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos litigation exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos settlement.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which 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, leading to tumors.

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

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin, and. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos legal (click through the next article) exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos settlement. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos claim fibers as they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to see a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.