What Is Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma? Heck What Exactly Is Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma?

What Is Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma? Heck What Exactly Is Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that cover various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may appear.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.

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

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.

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

When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Workers 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 issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers.  columbia asbestos lawsuit  is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.

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 parts of the body causing tumors to form.

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. 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 tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available.


The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.