Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at greatest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. asbestos claim is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may appear.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

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

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and 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 anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos claim exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. 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 can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two first types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years it was employed in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Workers in the construction industry were most at 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 and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause 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 may be confused with other diseases. It is crucial to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that 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 asbestos fibers. This type 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 multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

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

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that may be related to the condition. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos settlement. They'll also conduct a physical exam and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These might 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 boost the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.