Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma lawsuits is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors 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 can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

During the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma attorney diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

mesothelioma lawsuit is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. For decades, it was used in many American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles and many other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They may then get trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

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

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the available treatments. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.