Ask Me Anything: 10 Responses To Your Questions About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in 1970. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at highest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of 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 chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may appear.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos compensation is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos claim exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos legal (description here) and then perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest 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. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships cars, and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos settlement.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect various 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 frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to develop.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. Then, they can become lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be related to the disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical examination to check for 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 possible treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll send it to you at no cost, with no obligation. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.