Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

asbestos attorney is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that surround various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may develop.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A sample of the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with a family history of mesothelioma. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

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

When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two first types and accounts between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos (Yates-Bradford-2.federatedjournals.com) exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos law industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos law.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts 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 mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you free of charge, no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.