Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the highest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma lawyer is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may appear.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the 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 is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.

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

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma attorney that is in late-stage. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. 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 typically found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

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 fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma attorney is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to visit your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.