Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main 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 workers are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A sample of the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos lawsuit is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far 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 cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.

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

During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma lawyers diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can result in tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will do a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming within your body.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand 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, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma lawsuit. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members may breathe them when they clean the clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been identified. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you free of cost, without obligation. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.