Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos lawsuit is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. 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 that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient’s or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also form in the abdomen’s lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

asbestos lawyer legal (Look At This) is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos settlement.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.

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 (masses) to form.

The exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. Then, they can become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos litigation fibers home on their clothing. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a physician for any symptoms that could be linked to the condition. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include a 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 chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We’ll deliver it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We’re committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.