Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each 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 is affordable and fire-proof. 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 these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, could develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma attorneys sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma lawyer on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

mesothelioma attorney is found in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. The symptoms are often confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

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

When they perform the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a combination of the two types and accounts between 30 and 40 percent of all mesothelioma attorney diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. For decades, it was used in many American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings cars, and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor when 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 may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma attorneys.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. 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 are ingested and inhaled. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.