Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma lawyer is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, may appear.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma attorneys. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma lawyer or to rule out other illnesses.

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

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

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. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to see your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to form.

Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. You can speak to an experienced nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.