Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the highest risk of exposure.
What is mesothelioma lawsuits?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, could develop.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma lawyers, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. Workers in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma lawsuit. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma attorneys-like cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. 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 type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma lawsuit to develop after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. For many years, it was used in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. 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 that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.