Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos litigation.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

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

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or 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 a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For many years, it was used in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings cars and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos settlement.

Workers who handled Asbestos Legal or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos legal. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical 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 include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been identified. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.