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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body called the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A sample of the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and 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 lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung's lining (pleura), though it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time it was employed in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos case.

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

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members 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 often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos litigation fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. asbestos (a cool way to improve) is a fibrous material that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos settlement particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you free of cost, with no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.