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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Exposure to asbestos legal (go here) is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos claim when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. It is often mistaken for other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30% and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

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 pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. For decades it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships cars and many other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous employed in construction, and other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

The asbestos settlement-related workers, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale them when they clean the clothes.

While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos claim. They'll also conduct physical examinations and chest X-ray 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 the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.