Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos lawsuit is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may appear.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma lawyers, they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

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

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. It is often mistaken for other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma lawsuit diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were the most at 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 problems. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. They could then breathe in asbestos lawyers fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers begins when cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop.

The exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed 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 can then become trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

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

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

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

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.