This Week's Top Stories About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. 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 the various organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. 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 types of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos settlement is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

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

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos legal (his response) fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos law fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos lawyer fibers while cleaning the clothing.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform a physical exam and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll email 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. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.