Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

asbestos attorney was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial symptoms may 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 develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order 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 found patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents 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 more than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

asbestos lawyer fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

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

During a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or 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 takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For decades it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars and many other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.

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

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos claim fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could inhale 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 multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be linked to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get 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. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.