Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at highest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs of the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma attorneys. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. mesothelioma attorney is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, 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 the patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty 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 linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma lawyer isn't contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

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

Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to see a doctor for any symptoms that may be related to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. 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 reach a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (pop over here). We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.