Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses like lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue may develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A sample of the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming 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 and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

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 X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy could 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 mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two primary types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

asbestos legal - click home page, is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. For decades it was employed in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos litigation industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars and many other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to 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 lungs. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to see your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. 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 will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming within your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos claim fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to develop.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos compensation. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. Then, they can become trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos settlement fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.