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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, may appear.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may 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 first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. For decades, it was used in a variety of American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Workers in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to see a physician if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

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

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.