Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma lawyers gets discovered in about 3,000 people. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request 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 detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma in their family. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma lawyers is the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. It is often mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the 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 generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma attorneys and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

In an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For many years it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and many other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form 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 pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to visit your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing 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 within the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to develop.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure 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 microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.

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

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.