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. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at the highest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma in their family. Additionally, people who have received asbestos legal-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

asbestos claim fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. 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 treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos settlement. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. 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 chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos case fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. Then, they can become lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos lawyer workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members can inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests 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 the doctor will speak with you about the treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you at no charge, no obligation. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.