Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at highest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. 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 was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and perform an 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 imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos legal. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings, cars and many other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos claim.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can result in tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to visit your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present in your body.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those who have been 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 legal (visit the site) fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.

Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.

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

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand 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 dedicated to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.