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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at the most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.

There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

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 include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. In addition, those who have had asbestos claim-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two first types and accounts between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the 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 mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. For many years it was utilized in many American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

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

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty 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 heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos compensation exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos (check out this blog post via Napage) particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos legal are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be linked to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can speak to an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.