Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the greatest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, may develop.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma lawsuit than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

mesothelioma lawsuit occurs in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor may also suggest scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two primary types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. For decades, it was used in a variety of American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. 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 possible treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you at no cost, without commitment. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (Read the Full Posting). We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.