Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

fort collins asbestos lawyer was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs 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 annually. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. belle plaine asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses 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 more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships cars and many other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue that can lead to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to see your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are present within your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be linked to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, 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, the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no obligation. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.