Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma lawsuits decades after exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and interferes with their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition 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. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable 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 exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma lawyer type affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for mesothelioma attorneys
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.
mesothelioma lawsuit is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.