Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, 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 these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

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

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to check for 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 sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most freqre tolerant to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like 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 heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is crucial to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to richland center asbestos lawsuit. Asbestos was a fibrous material employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause 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 employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.

While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, 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, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you free of cost, with no commitment. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.