Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. asbestos case was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

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 testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos law is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for 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 illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The physician may also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment 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 diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years it was utilized in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos case industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings automobiles and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos lawyer.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought Asbestos Legal fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers begins when cells in 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 most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be linked to the condition. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no commitment. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. You can speak to nurses any questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.