Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. asbestos compensation is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

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

When 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 discovered and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable 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 industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often 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 those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos legal exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually 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 physician may also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly 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). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look 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 forming in your body.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a doctor for any symptoms that could be linked to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.