10 Quick Tips About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at most danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that surround various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

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

There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos attorney exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings cars and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

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

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor youtube.com when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.

Exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct 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.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll send it to you at no cost, with no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.