Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

mesothelioma lawsuit is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.

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

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma lawsuit is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma lawsuits vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. 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 diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

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

During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. 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 much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two primary types and accounts between 30 and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships, cars, and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

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

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.

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

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then become trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma attorneys.

The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

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

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been identified. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.