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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified 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 employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma lawsuits usually resemble those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. These early symptoms can include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, could develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma lawyers that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for just 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
The doctor may also suggest scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma lawsuit and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma lawsuits diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the condition. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a 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 has been identified. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.
The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.