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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 primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Every 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, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos 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 diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, may develop.

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

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos claim industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

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

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

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

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lung. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those 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 asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos claim exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos compensation. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. Then, they can become stuck in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and 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 clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform a physical exam and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include 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 the treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this 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. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.