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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran workers 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 lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

In an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two primary types and accounts between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma





Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every 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 that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in a variety of 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 protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. This is the most common mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

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

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts 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 the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and 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 has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you at no charge, no obligation. pasadena asbestos law firm can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation on the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.