Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in 1970. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs of the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma lawsuits is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma attorney.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

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

When they perform the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30% and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. For decades, it was used in many American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. In time, 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 as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

mesothelioma lawsuits symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to form.

The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to consult a doctor for any symptoms that may be related to the disease. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma lawyer and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the available treatments. We'll send it to you at no charge, no obligation. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit (wren-nissen.blogbright.net). We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.