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What The Heck Is Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and 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 greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as 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 in the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may appear.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. 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 request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of 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 more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. Workers in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line 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. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common mesothelioma type. mesothelioma not caused by asbestos affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could 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 which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue that can result in tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells in 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 exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma 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 exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in people 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 may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members can inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that may be related to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about the treatment options. These may include chemo, 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. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.

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