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 was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the highest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

mesothelioma lawsuits is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

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

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

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

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.

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

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma lawyer.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers begins when cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.

Exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material employed in construction, and other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. Then, they can become lodged in the linings of certain 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. However blue-collar workers and relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can ask nurses any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (click to read). We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.