Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, could develop.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Law symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

The physician may 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 might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time it was employed in many American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars, and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos lawsuit exposure.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos case are at greater risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. asbestos case was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers and 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 settlement are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos lawyer fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members can inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be related to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.