Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at 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 lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma attorneys each year. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

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

There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.

mesothelioma attorneys Signs and Symptoms

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

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive process.

During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma lawsuits gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. 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 that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings, cars and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.

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

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.

The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. Then, they can become stuck in the linings 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 and even family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma attorneys. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.