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 fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the sole 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 to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma lawsuits due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, could develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time, it was used in many American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings, cars and many other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can cause tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may require 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 is any changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, 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

Like other cancers mesothelioma lawsuits develops when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma lawsuit is rare however, it is essential to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you free of charge, no commitment. You can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.