Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in 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 due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to non asbestos mesothelioma as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function.

If 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 the microscope. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos illness mesothelioma is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or peritoneal X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

asbestos compensation mesothelioma is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct 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 help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present in your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized 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 ingested. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members could breathe in asbestos attorney lawyer mesothelioma fibers as they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you free of charge, no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.