20 Myths About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: Debunked

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos lawsuit as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may appear.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos lawyer and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos compensation exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For decades it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos claim industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos 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 areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.

The exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. Then, they can become trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers and relatives of Asbestos Legal workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members can inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.