Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at greatest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma attorney than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma attorneys.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma attorneys type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans, MRIs, 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 surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings automobiles and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue that can cause tumors.

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

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

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to see a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. These include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.