Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that surround various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Mesothelioma Case each year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy 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 is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for just 10% of all 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 risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos law industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos claim in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. 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 signs to appear. It is often mistaken for other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.

The doctor may also suggest scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine which 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 cells. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two first types and accounts between 30 and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings, cars and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct an examination and conduct 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 present in your body.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos case. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos settlement fibers in their clothes, and family members may breathe them when they clean the clothing.

Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. You can ask a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.