Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the most danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma attorney forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

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

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings, cars and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue that can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. 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 will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos attorney fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. Then, they can become stuck in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask nurses any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (Thedesk official). We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.