Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
mesothelioma lawyer is a cancer that is found in the linings that surround various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing problems and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma lawyers is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.
During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma lawyer diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. For many years it was employed in a variety of American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, it is important to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming within your body.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
mesothelioma lawsuit is a type of cancer that starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. Then, they can become lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.