Mesothelioma From Asbestos
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancerous growth on the linings of certain organs in the body, is caused by asbestos exposure. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure can occur at home or at work.
mesothelioma lawyers typically affects the lung lining (pleura). It can also affect the lining of the stomach or the heart, and can spread to other parts of the body.
Exposure
Exposure to asbestos at work is the major reason for mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. Exposure can happen in many ways, such as working in asbestos mines and mills manufacturing asbestos-containing products; cleaning up asbestos after asbestos work; removing, fixing or replacing asbestos-containing products or living near an asbestos facility. Asbestos can be ingested when not in a work-related setting like when taking clothes that are contaminated from asbestos workers, or living near a geological deposit of asbestos.
Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 50 years to develop after the initial exposure to asbestos. This time frame called the latency phase, is a critical period. Those who were exposed to asbestos for the longest periods of time are the most at risk. Men are more vulnerable to mesothelioma attorney than women, due to their higher rate of exposure to asbestos in blue-collar businesses and all branches of the military.
Exposure to asbestos can cause a condition referred to as 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 lines the chest cavity and lungs to thicken. This could make it difficult for patients to breathe. The pleura may also develop fluid pockets or effusions, which appear on x-rays.
A person who has been exposed to asbestos for a long period of time can develop a lung disease that is chronic called asbestosis. This is a scarring of the lungs, and it may cause shortness of breath and chest pain. The condition can make it difficult for patients to take a full breath. They might also hear crackling sounds in their lung, which doctors call rales. Asbestosis can also increase the risk of developing other forms of cancer, including mesothelioma lawyers and lung cancer. Smoking is one of the many causes that can cause asbestosis. Smoking cigarettes does not appear to trigger or increase the risk of mesothelioma. Smoking cigarettes is not a good idea for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos.
Signs and symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which affects the tissue that surrounds internal organs. Exposure to asbestos fibers increases the risk of developing the disease, which is found in the lung tissue (pleural mesothelioma) or in the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma).
It takes between 15 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop following exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a natural mineral used in brakes, insulation, and shingles prior to the 1970s. Workers who handled or removed these materials were exposed to asbestos fibers that were microscopic. The fibers are breathed in or taken into the body where they cause irritation and can lead to mesothelioma. The highest risk is for people who have worked in industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing.
The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is mesothelioma pleural. It occurs when the asbestos fibers are inhaled and then become embedded in the lining of chest cavity and lungs (pleura). These fibers cause damage to healthy tissue over time. This leads to the development of scar tissue and malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Patients with this type of mesothelioma may experience coughing, shortness of breath chest pain, an enlarged chest. They may also experience fever or fatigue. If diagnosed with mesothelioma, doctors will take a medical history and perform a physical exam. Blood tests, imaging scans and a biopsy may be requested to confirm the diagnosis.
There are a variety of other asbestos-related diseases that can be misinterpreted as mesothelioma. It is important to speak to a mesothelioma lawyer that has experience in the field to increase your chances of receiving a correct diagnosis. The lawyer will review your case to determine if you qualify for compensation. You might be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit to receive the financial aid you deserve. This is why it is essential to contact a reputable mesothelioma law firm as soon as you can.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma results from asbestos fibers lodging in the cellular lining of two membranes: the pleura near the lungs; or the peritoneum, near the abdominal cavity. Most often, the disease is affecting the pleura. The buildup of fluid between the chest wall, lungs and pleura can make breathing difficult.
The disease generally develops over a period of time, which is why people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma attorney are often retired workers or older adults. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women since they have traditionally worked in occupations that are more likely to expose asbestos, including shipbuilding and construction.
Asbestos fibers, inhaled, irritate the pleura, the lung's lining. The irritation causes the body to develop tumors that can spread to other areas of the body. Symptoms include chest pain, swelling and persistent coughing.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using a physical exam and reviewing symptoms. They will order imaging scans that help them identify abnormalities in the tissue such as tumors. They will also inquire about the person's work history and whether any relatives have been exposed to asbestos.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will perform a biopsy. In the course of the procedure, doctors take small pieces of the tumor and analyze them under a microscope to identify cancer cells. The kind of biopsy performed is based on the size and location of the tumor.
In cases of pleural melanoma, doctors often use a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the tumor. This involves putting a long, thin needle through the skin of the chest between the ribs, and into the pleura. The doctor inserts the needle after numbing the area with local anesthetic.
The type of mesothelioma diagnosed will determine the treatment options that are available, as well as the prognosis or anticipated outcome. The two most common types of mesothelioma are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Biphasic mesothelioma is less common and includes a mix of both cell types.
Treatment
Most people diagnosed with pleural cancers spent years working in jobs that exposed them to asbestos. It was most often when they worked in construction or shipbuilding. Although asbestos is no longer employed in construction, older building materials and products may contain asbestos. It is also found in vehicles, sports equipment and other items made before asbestos was banned.
Asbestos is comprised of microscopic fibres which are easily inhaled and can become airborne. These particles can settle in the lungs and cause irritation. If the irritation becomes persistent it can result in cancerous cells that create tumors within the lung's lining. Since the disease usually takes several years to develop and spread the majority of people suffering from mesothelioma have retired.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but deadly cancer. The symptoms are often similar to other conditions and don't appear until the end of the disease. The disease is often difficult to diagnose as there are no screening tests.
The treatment options for mesothelioma is dependent on the kind and the location. People with pleural mesothelioma receive surgery to remove cancerous tissue, improve breathing, and other symptoms. Other options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and the combination of both.
A doctor may suggest pleurodesis for people who aren't suitable for surgery. The procedure can be performed using a minimally-invasive surgery known as video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). If a patient isn't qualified for VATS, a drainage pleural can be performed to ease shortness of breath and pain.
Radiation therapy employs high energy beams to reduce lung tumors and kill cancer cells. Doctors often combine it with other cancer treatment to achieve most effective results.
Mesothelioma symptoms are typically painful and debilitating. Patients and their families can work together with a mesothelioma expert to determine the most effective treatment. A team of experts will create an individual treatment plan that will reduce symptoms and improve survival chances. Patients can also speak to their doctor about palliative treatment which is focused on improving the quality of life by reducing discomfort and decreasing symptoms.