Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

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. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at most risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that protect various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Warwick asbestos lawyer You Tube to these substances may result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to 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 can vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings cars and many other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

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

Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to visit your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, skin and hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also contact 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're committed to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.
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