Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at greatest risk of exposure.

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Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may appear.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, 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 could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two primary types and accounts between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. bakersfield mesothelioma lawsuit typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. For many years, it was used in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

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

While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you at no charge, no commitment. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.