Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is mesothelioma lawsuits?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

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

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma attorneys is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma lawyers is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was utilized in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings, cars, and other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue, which could result in tumors.

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

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.