Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs of the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). 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 substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue could develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and interferes with their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If rapid city asbestos attorneys is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. 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, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition 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 late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look 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 treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings, cars, and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can result in tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members may breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be related to the disease. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.