Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Occupational asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma-related cause. Exposure can be found in factories, shipyards mining sites, construction sites and mines.

Asbestos fibers inhaled are stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that result in cancer. The symptoms typically don't appear until 20-60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mesothelioma lawsuit differ depending on the location where the tumors are located within the body and the kind and stage. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer while peritoneal, pericardial, and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region affect the heart and stomach. Patients may also experience additional symptoms related to their condition, including fatigue, weight loss and difficulty breathing.

A physical examination and a thorough health history are the first steps to diagnose mesothelioma. Patients should tell their doctor about any past exposure to asbestos, and also mention any unusual symptoms or changes in their body they've observed. In addition to physical examinations doctors may request imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing and also to rule out other ailments like lung cancer or pneumonia.

Mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until years after asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can adhere to the linings of organs like the stomach and lungs. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Once mesothelioma symptoms begin they can quickly worsen and affect a patient's overall quality of life. As the cancer spreads, patients can become weaker and bed-bound. Many patients with mesothelioma in the last stages of their disease experience severe pain.

In the course of a physical exam doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos lawsuit and mesothelioma risk factors. Smoking, military service or mesothelioma-related history in a family member could increase the likelihood of developing this disease.

The same asbestos fibers that can irritate the tissues of patients with mesothelioma can also irritate those of patients with breast cancer or lung cancer. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, the risks are reduced. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving the office to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home onto their clothing or skin. In addition, those living with workers who are exposed to asbestos should be sure to shower and change their clothes before entering the home.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals containing tiny fibres which are used in many different ways. These fibres can be released into air or into the lungs of those who are using asbestos. Over time these fibres may accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs, a condition known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma can be a type of cancer that is found within the protective linings of organs called mesothelium. It is most often found in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is often a factor in mesothelioma. It takes a long time for mesothelioma signs to appear, which makes diagnosis difficult.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is visiting a doctor and have an examination. This can help your physician recognize the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out any other diseases. Your doctor can also order blood tests and imaging scans to look for mesothelioma or to determine the symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays (computerised tomography), CT (computerised imaging) and MRI scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These scans identify pleural or peritoneal fluid.

These tests can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma which determines the treatment options you have. There are four mesothelioma stages and each stage has a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma affects how severe the symptoms are as well as how fast they will progress.

Your doctor might employ a variety of diagnostic tests based on where mesothelioma has been found. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most prevalent mesothelioma form. Doctors can diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, targeting the lining of the abdomen, or pericardial mesothelioma, targeted at the lining of the coronary artery.

In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will inquire about your exposure to asbestos and whether you are suffering from any symptoms. The doctor will perform an examination of your body and review your medical documents. If they suspect mesothelioma, they will refer you to an expert for further scans and tests. These tests will help identify the type and the stage of your cancer as well as how far it has taken over.

Treatment

The exposure to asbestos is the most prevalent mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is present in soil and rock. It is extremely durable and can be transformed into thin weaved fibers which are used in a variety of products. In the United States, asbestos was utilized for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists discovered the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is usually exposed when people breathe, or swallow the fibers. They are then bonded to organ linings. Over time, the lining may develop tumors and cause symptoms such as coughing, breathing problems and chest pain. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.

Mesothelioma is a possibility for anyone who has been exposed asbestos, but some are more at risk. Any exposure to asbestos can increase your chances of developing mesothelioma. This includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are also at greater risk. If you have a relative with mesothelioma, it is recommended that you speak to an expert about your asbestos family history.

Different types of mesothelioma may be found in different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma, for instance, is the most common type, affecting approximately 70 to 80% of all cases. It begins in the tissues that cover each lung (pleural msothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is less common, is more. It is located in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma can be found in two types that are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and develops slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is also a rare form of mesothelioma that contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is called biphasic mesothelioma.

Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based upon the type of mesothelioma. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy to reduce the symptoms and prolong your lifespan. The kind of treatment you will receive will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location it is located, and your medical background.

There are ways to reduce your risk of developing mesothelioma cancer is rare. If you have been exposed to asbestos lawsuits, limit your exposure to it and avoid any places in which it is possible to find. Consult your physician in the event of any unusual or persistent symptoms.

Recovery

Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to learn that their asbestos exposure is the main cause. More troubling is the fact that their former employers failed to inform them of the dangers associated with their work or take any steps to safeguard workers against asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma lawyer could help those suffering from the disease to get justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues that line the organs of the body, including the stomach, lungs, and heart. The main cause is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that creates long, thin fibers which are durable and resistant to fire. Before scientists discovered its health hazards asbestos was used extensively in construction materials, automotive parts, and other products. People who worked on projects that involved asbestos attorneys are more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes construction workers, shipyard employees insulation workers asbestos lawsuits abatement technicians, and other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos fibers stick to clothing, personal items and even the bodies of workers. This can expose their families to mesothelioma.

The most prevalent form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs, and the symptoms typically start in the chest, such as bleeding from the chest or an accumulation of fluid around the lungs. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The chances of a person developing mesothelioma are affected by various factors, including the duration they were exposed to asbestos as well as their gender. Men are more likely to contract this disease than women, and a person's age is another factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Some asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have experienced chest radiation, or those who have a parent or a sibling with the disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases happen for those over 60 years old.