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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 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 in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue may develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and interferes with their function.
If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma in their family. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.
The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.
When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two first types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In federal way asbestos attorneys , the irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can 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 was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can speak to nurses any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.