Notes

Why Nobody Cares About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body called the mesothelium. 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 the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As cicero asbestos law firm progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, may develop.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers 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 tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The 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, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. It is often mistaken for other diseases, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor may also suggest scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.


During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming within your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.

Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and chest X-ray to determine if you have 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 treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll send it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.

Website: https://vimeo.com/703533678