Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is mesothelioma lawyers?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma lawyers causing factor. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

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

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two first types and accounts between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, 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 could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma attorneys related changes are forming within your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members may breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you at no charge, no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.