Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations before it was banned in 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include breathing problems and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may appear.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung's lining (pleura), though 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 cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars, and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those who were exposed to newton asbestos law firm are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have worked with Hanford Asbestos Lawsuit. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you at no 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 lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.