The Biggest "Myths" About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma Could Actually Be Accurate

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, could develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma lawyers are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma lawsuits.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

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

When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

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

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related patients 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. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. Then, they can become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

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

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit [This Webpage]. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.