Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may appear.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma lawyers on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

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 chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. 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 naturally occurs 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 profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma lawsuits that may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. 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 lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma lawyers. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma attorneys. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.