Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma lawsuit maligna 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. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing problems, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, could develop.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation therapy related to bryan asbestos lawsuit are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and danbury can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

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

During a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less 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 mixture of the two kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

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

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.