Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at greatest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only reason that has been identified 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 homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, could develop.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma lawsuit. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma lawyers which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma lawyer. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma attorney or to rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam 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 may be ordered by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma attorney and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships cars, and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

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

Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

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

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. Then, they can become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask nurses any questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.