Mesothelioma From Asbestos
Mesothelioma, an abnormal growth of the linings of certain organs of the body, is caused by asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos is the cause. Exposure can occur at home or at work.
Mesothelioma is most often affecting the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also affect linings of the stomach or the heart and may also spread to other parts.
Exposure
Exposure to asbestos at work is the main cause of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Exposure can happen in many ways, including working in asbestos mills and mines manufacturing asbestos-containing products; cleaning up asbestos after asbestos-related work; removing, fixing, or replacing asbestos-containing materials; and living near an asbestos facility. Asbestos can be inhaled during non-work situations like when taking home contaminated clothing from asbestos workers or living near a geological source of asbestos.
Mesothelioma usually takes between 20 and 50 years to develop after the first exposure to asbestos. This time called the latency phase is a critical time. The most at risk are those who have been exposed to asbestos over the longest period of time. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma due to the higher rates of exposure to asbestos in blue-collar jobs and all branches of the military.
Exposure to asbestos may lead to a condition called mesothelioma of the pleura. This form of mesothelioma is caused by the pleura. The pleura is a thin membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity. Asbestos exposure can cause the pleura, a thin membrane that line the chest cavity and lungs to thicken. This could make it difficult for patients to breathe. The pleura can also develop fluid pockets or effusions, which are visible on x-rays.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time may also develop a lung disease that is chronic known as asbestosis. It is a form of scarring that occurs in the lungs that can result in chest pain and shortness of breathe. The disease can also make it difficult for patients to take deep breaths and can cause the sound of a pulsing in their lungs, which doctors call rales. Asbestosis can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma lawsuits and lung cancer. Smoking is one of the many causes that can cause asbestosis. Smoking does not seem to cause or increase the risk of mesothelioma. Smoking is not good for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissue that surrounds internal organs. Exposure to asbestos fibers could increase the risk of developing the disease. It occurs in the lining around the lungs, referred to as mesothelioma of the pleural region or in the lining in the abdomen.
It can take anywhere between 15 to 50 years for mesothelioma develop following exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a natural mineral that was used in the manufacture of brakes, insulation and shingles prior to the 1970s. Workers who handled these products or removed them were exposed to asbestos fibers. These fibers are inhaled or ingestion into the body, which can cause irritation and eventually lead to mesothelioma. People who worked in industries such as construction, mining, manufacturing, and asbestos removal have the highest chance of developing the disease.
Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma type, is the most common. It develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled and become embedded within the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura). These fibers cause damage to healthy tissue over time. This can lead to formation of scar tissue or malignant mesothelioma tumors.
People suffering from this type of mesothelioma experience shortness of breath, coughing chest pain, a lump in the chest. They might also experience fatigue and fever. If diagnosed with mesothelioma a doctor will take a medical history and conduct a physical examination. To confirm the diagnosis tests for blood or imaging scans, as well as biopsy are required.
Other diseases that are related to asbestos can be misinterpreted as mesothelioma. To increase the chances of receiving the correct diagnosis, it's important to talk to a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer. This lawyer will evaluate your case to see whether you qualify for compensation. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit for mesothelioma to get the financial help you are entitled to. It is crucial to contact a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibers can be found in the cellular linings of the membranes of the pleura (near the lung) or the peritoneum (near the abdominal cavity). The majority of the time, the disease is affecting the pleura. The fluid buildup between the lungs, chest wall and pleura can make breathing difficult.
The disease usually takes years to develop and is the reason why those receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis tend to be retired workers or older individuals. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women because they have historically been employed in positions which were more likely to expose them to asbestos, including shipbuilding and construction.
Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, referred to as the pleura. The irritation causes the body to produce tumors that can then spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms include chest pain, swelling and persistent coughing.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma with an examination of the body and by reviewing symptoms. They will order imaging scans to detect abnormal tissue, like tumors. They will also inquire about the person's work history and whether any family members have been exposed to asbestos.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will conduct an examination. The doctors will remove small fragments of the tumor to analyze them using a microscope to identify cancerous cells. The type of biopsy used is based on the size and location of the tumor.
In cases of pleural mesothelioma lawsuits doctors typically use needle biopsy to collect samples of the tumor. This involves placing an extremely thin needle through the skin of the chest, between the ribs and into the pleura. The doctor inserts the needle after anesthesia of the area with local anesthetic.
The type of mesothelioma detected will determine the treatment options that are available, as well as the prognosis or anticipated outcome. The two most commonly diagnosed mesothelioma forms are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Biphasic mesothelioma attorney, which is less common has a mix of both cell types.
Treatment
The majority of people diagnosed with pleural cancers spent years working in positions that exposed them to asbestos. It was typically when they worked in shipbuilding or construction. Although asbestos is not being used in any buildings but it can be present in older materials and building products. There is asbestos in cars, sports equipment and other items made before asbestos was banned.
Asbestos consists of microscopic fibers that be inhaled and then airborne. These particles then settle in the lungs, where they cause irritation. If the irritation continues to be severe, it can lead to cancerous cells that cause tumors within the lung's lining. Since the disease generally takes a long time to develop and then spread the majority of mesothelioma attorneys patients have retired.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but deadly cancer that can be fatal. The symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, and are not apparent until the end of the disease. The disease can be difficult to diagnose as there are no screening tests available.
Treatment options for mesothelioma are dependent on the type and location. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma undergo surgery to remove cancerous tissue, improve breathing, and other symptoms. Other options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and combinations of these treatments.
For people who aren't candidates for surgery, a doctor may recommend draining fluid build-up in the chest, called pleurodesis. The procedure can be performed with a minimally invasive surgery known as video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). If a patient isn't eligible for VATS, an indwelling pleural drain can be placed to help reduce pain and shortness of breath.
Radiation therapy uses high energy beams to shrink lung tumors and kill cancerous cells. Doctors often combine it with another cancer treatment to achieve best results.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may be painful and debilitating. Patients and their families can collaborate with a mesothelioma specialist to find the best treatment. A team of experts develops a personalized treatment plan that will reduce symptoms and improve the chances of survival. Patients may also consult their doctors about palliative care that focuses on improving quality of life by reducing discomfort and reducing symptoms.