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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. 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 inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those 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 an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos 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 past exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos lawyer.

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

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos claim are at a higher 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 hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. asbestos claim is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can 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 relatives of those who worked with asbestos claim are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform a physical exam and chest X-ray to look for signs of 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 has been diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.