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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). About 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 was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, may appear.

There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive process.





During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. For a long time it was employed in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings, cars and many other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue, which could cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can 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 unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

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

Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. Vimeo is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin, and. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be related to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery 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 but the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you free of cost, without obligation. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.