25 Surprising Facts About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, could develop.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma lawsuit. The most prevalent mesothelioma lawsuit form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. It is often mistaken for other diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and 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. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two first types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma lawsuits to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties 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 linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present in your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members could inhale them when they clean the clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination 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 treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.