Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used 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 the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

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

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to san carlos asbestos lawsuit exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma’s final stages. The doctor will inquire about the patient’s previous asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.

During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the 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 is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also form in the abdomen’s lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue that can result in tumors.

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

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the Minot Asbestos Lawyer fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms that could be linked to the condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you’ve ever been exposed to asbestos. They’ll also perform a physical exam and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we’ll mail it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.