Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at greatest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma lawyers are usually similar to those of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, may develop.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A sample of the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma lawsuits cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. For many years, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue that can lead to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can 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 pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present in your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos attorneys exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

Asbestos exposure is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become stuck in the linings 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. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members may inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be related to the condition. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (Feedpost said in a blog post). We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.