Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, Www.Youtube.Com which makes it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for just 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is rare, 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 end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

The doctor may also suggest scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

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 the pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years it was employed in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue that can lead to tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos lawsuits are at greater chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

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

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could 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 the treatment options. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no obligation. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can ask a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.