Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos lawyers as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue could develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma-related 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 at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos attorney at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma lawyers differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.

The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two first kinds and accounts 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 occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who worked with 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. In time irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. Then, they can become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members could inhale them when they clean the clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to see a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.