Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma lawyers is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that protect various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may develop.

There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings cars and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma attorney can affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for 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 could be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for mesothelioma lawyer

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

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may breathe them when they clean the clothing.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Download 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 at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.