Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. 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 affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos litigation can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order 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 microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lung.

asbestos claim fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually 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). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. For decades, it was used in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos lawyer.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to visit your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was utilized in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. 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 removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos law are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos (a cool way to improve). They will also perform physical examination and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available.

The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the available treatments. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.