Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma lawyer are usually similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, could develop.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur 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, fatigue weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest 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 physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma attorneys and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma attorneys. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment 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 is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura), though it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. For many years it was employed in many American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars, and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.

The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members may inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan or 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 type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, without obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.