Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos case.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber 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 exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that protect various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos litigation is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have had asbestos case-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type 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 make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

When they perform the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. For many years it was employed in a variety of American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos claim industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings, cars and many other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.

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

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are present in your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale 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 also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos legal; simply click for source, fibers in their clothes, and family members may breathe them when they clean the clothing.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that may be related to the disease. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.