Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at greatest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos law industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos lawyer in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and 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, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as 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 diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos legal (simply click the following page), and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

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

When they perform the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. 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 is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

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

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. asbestos compensation is a fibrous material that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They may then get trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be linked to the condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll send it to you free of cost, without obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.