Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. 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 substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses like lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with 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 Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

asbestos lawyer fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos case legal (Read Alot more) exposure.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos settlement were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos lawyer exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable 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 in their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.