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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at highest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

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

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos lawsuit exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue that can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

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

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos law fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos compensation fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand 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 exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be related to the condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have 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 the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.