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Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
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 that was used in a variety of 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 is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. asbestos lawsuits settlements have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in 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 are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.


Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

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

When they perform the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For decades, it was used in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. 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 can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. 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 begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

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

Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that may be related to the disease. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.

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