Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

mesothelioma attorney, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. asbestos lawyers is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

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

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can 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 is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

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

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos lawsuit. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was employed in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos lawyers industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

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

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause 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 lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician for any symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether 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 could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.