Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at most risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, could develop.

There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma attorneys increases when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for 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 diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma lawsuit cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma attorneys diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

mesothelioma lawyers most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

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

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. This is the most common mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling 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 can be mistaken with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform a physical exam and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.