Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the greatest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma lawsuit maligna forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). About 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 a popular choice in American industries due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue may develop.

There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma lawyers which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma lawyers. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

mesothelioma lawyer is typically found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in buildings, ships, cars and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

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

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to see a physician for any symptoms that could be related to the disease. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, with no commitment. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.