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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos case can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. These groups include people 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 a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos law exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos lawyer and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

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

Different types of mesothelioma can affect various parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct an examination and order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to 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 may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They may then get lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to see a physician for any symptoms that could be related to the condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.