Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at highest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct 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 substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may develop.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma lawsuits, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma lawsuits represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

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

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and perform an 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 might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma lawyers cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two primary types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was employed in a variety of American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings cars and other items. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

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

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand 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, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material 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 specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be related to the condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include 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 treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free mesothelioma attorney guide to know more about this condition and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.