Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at highest danger of exposure.

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. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, may appear.

There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for less than 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. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. The most prevalent mesothelioma lawsuit form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The physician may also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma lawsuits cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two primary types and accounts between 30 and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect various parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lung. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to develop.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor of mesothelioma lawsuit. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to see a physician for any symptoms that could be linked to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you at no cost, without commitment. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.