Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the main cause of mesothelioma. Exposure can occur in shipyards, factories, mining sites and construction.

Inhaled asbestos fibres get trapped in the lung's lining (pleura) and cause gene mutations that can result in cancer. The signs typically don't show up until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of cancer and where tumors develop in the body. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs while peritoneal, pericardial, and mesothelioma affecting the heart and stomach. Patients may also experience symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and breathing difficulties.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is a physical examination and a thorough health history. Patients must inform their physician of any asbestos exposure and any unusual symptoms or changes in their body they have noticed. In addition to conducting an examination of the body, doctors will likely order imaging tests to see how the disease is progressing, and to rule out other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia.

Mesothelioma may not be diagnosed until years after exposure to asbestos. This is due to asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they cling to the lining of organs such as the stomach or lungs. Over time the fibers cause inflammation and can lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms often don't manifest until cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

As soon as mesothelioma begins to show symptoms, they quickly progress and can negatively impact the quality of life of patients. Patients may be weak and bed-bound when the cancer spreads. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the last stages of their disease experience severe pain.

In addition to the physical exam, doctors ask about the patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma-related risks. Smoking, military service or mesothelioma-related history in a family member may increase the likelihood of developing this disease.

Patients with mesothelioma attorneys tend to be at higher risk of developing other types of cancer, including breast and lung cancers because asbestos fibers can irritate these tissues too. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, the risks are reduced. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home on their clothing or skin. People who live near asbestos-exposed workers should also wash and change their clothes prior to entering the home.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres which are used in a variety of ways. These fibres can be released into the air or into the lungs of those who are using asbestos. Over time the fibres accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that protect organs known as mesothelium. It is most common in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma can be exposed to asbestos in their work environments. It takes decades for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest making diagnosis difficult.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to visit an expert doctor and undergo a physical exam. This will allow your physician to understand the symptoms that you are experiencing and rule out other diseases. Your doctor may order blood tests or imaging scans to check for mesothelioma, or to identify symptoms from other ailments like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can aid doctors identify mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusions or peritoneal effusion.

These tests can help doctors determine your stage of mesothelioma and determine your treatment options. There are four mesothelioma stages, and each one has a different outlook. The stage of mesothelioma lawyer determines the severity of your symptoms and how fast they will progress.

Depending on the location of your mesothelioma lawsuits doctor may recommend different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. Doctors may also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, targeting the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at the lining of the heart.

In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will inquire about your exposure to asbestos as well as whether you are suffering from any symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination and review your medical records. If they suspect that mesothelioma is present, they will refer to an expert who can carry out further tests and scans. These tests can help diagnose the type and stage of your mesothelioma and also show how the cancer has spread.

Treatment

The exposure to asbestos is the most prevalent mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is one of the minerals that are found in rock and soil. It is a very durable mineral that can be turned into thin fibers that can be used in various products. In the United States, asbestos was used for construction materials and insulation in the 20th century, before scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is most often exposed when people breathe, or swallow the fibers. They then adhere to the linings of organs. Over time, the tissue can develop tumors, causing symptoms like chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Symptoms usually do not appear until 10-50 years after initial exposure.

Mesothelioma can affect anyone who has been exposed asbestos, however certain types are at greater risk. Any exposure to asbestos can increase your chances of developing mesothelioma lawsuit. This includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are at greater risk. You should inform your doctor if someone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Different types of mesothelioma occur in different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent type, and affects around 70-80% of all cases. It starts in the layers of tissue that line each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma appears less often. It is found in the lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma can be found in two forms that are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more common and is more prone to growth than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is also a very rare mesothelioma type that includes both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic mesothelioma.

Your doctor can decide on the most appropriate treatment for you based on your mesothelioma lawsuits type. Your doctor may recommend surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy to lessen your symptoms and extend your life. The type of mesothelioma that you have, the location of it and your medical background will determine the kind of treatment you receive.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to reduce your exposure and stay clear from any areas that could have asbestos. You should also speak with your doctor about any unusual or persistent symptoms you may be experiencing.

Recovery

Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma feel shocking to learn that exposure to asbestos in the past is the cause. They could be even more shocked to discover that their former employers didn't warn them about the risks of their job or take any precautions to safeguard workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer could help those suffering from the disease to get justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the tissues that line the body's organs, including stomach, lungs and heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a family of minerals that make long, thin fibers that are tough and fire resistant. Asbestos was used extensively in the construction of buildings, automobile parts and other items before scientists discovered its health risks in the 20th century. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been involved in asbestos-related projects. This includes construction workers, shipyard employees insulation workers asbestos abatement technicians, and other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos also clung onto clothing and other personal items and workers carried the fibers home with them on their bodies, exposing their families to mesothelioma, too.

The most frequent form of this cancer is mesothelioma of the pleura. It affects the lung's lining and the symptoms typically start in the chest, like the coughing up of blood or a buildup of fluid around the lung. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The amount of exposure to asbestos and gender are two elements that affect the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. Men are more likely to contract this condition than women, and the person's age is another factor. Family history is also as a risk factor since certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to certain genes. People who have received radiation to the chest are also at greater risk for mesothelioma. The same is true for those who have a relative who has been diagnosed with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases happen for those over 60 years old.