Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the most risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma attorney cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma lawsuits cases and has a poorer prognosis.

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

Mesothelioma Symptoms

mesothelioma lawyers is found in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can 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 that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

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

During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is 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 exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has properties that resist heat. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships cars and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. Over time irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma lawsuits risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They may then get stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been identified. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (how you can help). We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.