Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at the highest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, could develop.

There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma lawyers they will order an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma lawyer sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma lawyers vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. mesothelioma lawsuit is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. It is often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two first types and is responsible for between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue that can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma, and it can 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 distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma attorneys.

Although mesothelioma is not 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 asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific 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. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a physician for any symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.