15 Latest Trends And Trends In Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at the most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that surround various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point 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 utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

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. lansing asbestos law firm may also order an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two first types and accounts between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every 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, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For many years it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

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

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

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is important to consult 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 can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.


Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. 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 the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been identified. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.