Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at most danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that surround various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma lawsuits each year. The only known cause of 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 cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, could develop.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma attorneys makes up 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for just 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. It is often mistaken for other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma attorneys a patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.
Causes of mesothelioma lawsuits
Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. For a long time it was utilized in many American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.