Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in 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, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

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

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung’s lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma attorney include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma attorney on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. 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 internal organs, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors don’t connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient’s or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.

The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

mesothelioma lawsuits is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole 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, has heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. 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

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to form.

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it’s vital to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

Although there isn’t a cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we’ll send it to you for free. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. You can speak to an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We’re committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.