Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma lawsuit due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, could develop.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for just 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 are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma attorneys.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

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

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma lawyer diagnose and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma attorneys cells. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a physician for any symptoms that may be related to the disease. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.