Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at the most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early 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. Each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

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

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

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos litigation, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician 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.

When they perform an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a combination of the two primary types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. For decades it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos case.

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

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

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important 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 will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary 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 can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. Then, they can become lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos case, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Even though mesothelioma may be uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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

The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.