Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at the highest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma lawyer, on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

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

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma attorneys is by far the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma lawyers. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and 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, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About 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 following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. For decades it was employed in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma lawsuits is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be related to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.