Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs before it was banned in 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at the most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs in the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, may appear.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma lawsuits patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing 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 from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his 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 exam, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma attorneys diagnosis and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

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 pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has 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 particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming within your body.

mesothelioma attorney may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma attorneys begins when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. Then, they can become lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that may be related to the disease. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the treatments available. We'll send it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.