15 Trends That Are Coming Up About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that protect various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. 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 used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.


The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two primary types and accounts between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung's lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About fall river asbestos attorneys are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure.

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

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

Exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. Then, they can become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have 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 diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.