Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs of the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos lawsuit can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. These early symptoms can include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has distinct prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos legal in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. 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 illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its 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 generally 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 determine if there are other diseases.

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

In an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos settlement - discover this info here, industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

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

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

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to visit your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as 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 asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.