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Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: The Ugly Truth About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma
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 was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings 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 cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, may develop.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. st petersburg asbestos attorneys may be ordered by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years it was utilized in many American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings automobiles and many other products. Those 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 which can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral 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.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.


If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be contacted to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.

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