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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing 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 distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.


In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

During a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type 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 type is a mix of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. baldwin park asbestos lawsuit is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform an examination and order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that may be related to the disease. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.