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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. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue could develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and interferes with their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose 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 mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans can be utilized 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 chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was extensively used in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and many other products. People who worked in the construction industry were 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 can be easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lung. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

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

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is union city asbestos attorney for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.

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