Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used 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 greatest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that protect 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 can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos lawsuit is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos legal at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

asbestos law fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. 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 it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos claim exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.

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

During an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of those who worked with asbestos claim are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.