Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the highest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

asbestos (Read the Full Write-up) fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. It is often mistaken for other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos legal exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.

The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

asbestos lawsuit is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. For decades, it was used in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may 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 are any changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos attorney are at greater risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They can then become stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of those who worked with asbestos legal are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a doctor for any symptoms that could be linked to the disease. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, 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 odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the available treatments. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.