Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma attorney affects the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, 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 in their family. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma attorney's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

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

When they perform the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. For a long time it was utilized in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed 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 are easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate 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 commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. Then, they can become trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma lawsuit.

The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma attorney may be rare, it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

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

The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.