Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand 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 was affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

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

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

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to 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 with a family history of mesothelioma. In addition, those who have received asbestos case-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out 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 may be ordered by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the 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 kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two first types and accounts between 30 and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

asbestos compensation is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Workers in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos lawsuit fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just 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 areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. asbestos lawyer is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos settlement. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you free of cost, with no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation on the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.