Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma lawsuit typically resemble those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma lawyers, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

In an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings, cars and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

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

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present in your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma lawsuits begins when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.