Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
The primary mesothelioma-related risk comes from occupational asbestos exposure. Construction workers and veterans from all branches of military are at greatest risk.
Families of asbestos workers are also at risk. Mesothelioma can take between 30 and 60 years to develop following exposure. The majority of cases are found within the pleura which surrounds the lungs. Other forms of the disease may be seen in the peritoneum.
Occupational Exposure
The majority of those diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos via occupational exposure. The mineral was widely used in construction, shipbuilding manufacturing of asbestos cement and other industries. Workers in these fields are at greater risk of mesothelioma due to the fact that the fibers can easily be inhaled into the lungs, and propagated throughout the body according to the Mayo Clinic.
The symptoms of mesothelioma could take between 10 and 50 years after the initial exposure to manifest in patients. Mesothelioma can be difficult to detect because of this long latency period. However, those with a history of mesothelioma should discuss this with their physician and have regular screenings.
People who were exposed to asbestos during their work are at higher risk than those not. This includes workers in power plants, construction steel, manufacturing companies, as as military veterans who were exposed to asbestos while on duty. Firefighters, who can become exposed when fighting fires in older houses and structures that were built with asbestos materials are also at a high risk of mesothelioma. The Cleveland Clinic reports that firefighters are twice as likely to develop mesothelioma than the general population due to their continuous exposure to asbestos.
Studies have found that mesothelioma risk is determined by the type of industry and duration of the asbestos exposure. The most common forms of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial and pleural. The most commonly used form of mesothelioma is the pleural kind, which affects the lining on the lungs. This can result in breathing problems, a shortened breath and fluid on the lung (pleural effusion) or a hole in the chest wall.
Asbestos can cause mesothelioma to develop in the chest cavity as well as the testicles. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma, and they have a higher asbestos exposure rate than women. Military personnel have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that numerous branches employed asbestos in ships, bases, planes and vehicles.
Secondary Exposure
Asbestos can irritate organ linings. When the irritation continues, it may cause the development of a tumor, which is known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most commonly diagnosed in the lungs, however it can also affect the chest cavity or abdomen. It is a type of cancer that occurs when the cell's DNA alters and is mutated which can cause the cells to expand in uncontrollable amounts.
If someone develops mesothelioma they have to seek compensation from the business responsible for their exposure. A mesothelioma lawyer or law firm that has expertise in asbestos cases is the best way to do this. These lawyers and firms have access to resources that can help them investigate an exposure history and identify potential liable parties.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in the construction and manufacturing industries until the 1980s. Due to its fire-proof properties, it was used as insulation in many different buildings and structures including ships, factories schools, power plants and homes, among others. Workers in these kinds of establishments were exposed to asbestos in a variety of ways. For instance workers could breathe in asbestos-containing airborne fibers while they were working or showering at work. The fibers can be inhaled after workers return home from work because their clothes or equipment could have contained asbestos dust.
In addition, workers working on sites undergoing demolition or renovation could be exposed to asbestos via secondary exposure. This is due to the fact that when workers take asbestos off or break it up in older structures, the fibers could become airborne and infect nearby areas. This is why many mesothelioma lawyer patients who did not work directly with asbestos are still at a risk of developing the disease.
Additionally, those who live with those who worked with asbestos can be exposed to the toxic substance through exposure to second-hand asbestos. This is known as asbestos exposure that is not in the workplace or at home. It can occur when asbestos workers bring harmful fibers home in their clothes and expose their family members to the carcinogen. It is this type of exposure that usually causes mesothelioma to women.
Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually appear several decades after exposure to asbestos. This means that the cancer could not be discovered until it has reached an advanced stage, and symptoms are often mistaken for other ailments. Specialists from hospitals and doctors will investigate these symptoms to rule out other illnesses before diagnosing mesothelioma, but it is essential to see your doctor if you think you are suffering from mesothelioma since early detection can increase the likelihood of survival.
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the lining of certain organs, including the lung (pleural mesothelioma) or the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma). Other mesothelioma types can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) and in the lining of the testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can trigger a variety of symptoms based on the location of the tumor as well as the kind of mesothelioma.
The symptoms can vary and come and go, so you should tell your doctor if any symptoms persist or cause concern, even if the symptoms are not specific to Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may present symptoms that are similar to other ailments and may be difficult to diagnose. It is important to inform your GP about any asbestos exposure you might have had.
Asbestos is composed of tiny fibers. These fibres may cause damage to lung over time if they are inhaled, swallowed or consumed. Workers who are exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma than those who don't. Mesothelioma is also more likely to develop if you have a family history and have been exposed to radiation therapy.
When inhaled, asbestos fibers can irritate the lining of the lung (the pleura) and trigger gene mutations that result in cancerous cell growth. This can trigger symptoms such as difficulty breathing and coughing as well as chest pain. Other symptoms of pleural Mesothelioma include stomach pain (pleural effusion) as well as abdominal discomfort, bowel irritation and weight loss. In peritoneal mesothelioma the symptoms can be more severe and can include a feeling of fullness in the abdomen as well as diarrhea, bloating constipation, pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, and a lump or swelling in the tummy.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is a collection of minerals that form long, thin but very strong fibers. The asbestos fibers are able to be breathed into the lungs, leading to cancer. In the 20th century asbestos was mined and used to make consumer products, construction materials, and auto parts. Scientists discovered its health hazards only after it had been used. It is not being mined in the US but it is still present in older buildings and homes.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often akin to other diseases which makes it difficult to identify initially. The symptoms of mesothelioma also differ according to the type of mesothelioma, the organ or tissues affected, and the stage of the disease.
Early mesothelioma symptoms and signs include coughing, chest pains, and difficulty breathing. The latency period of asbestos mesothelioma can take many years to develop. The length of time that it takes to develop latency may differ between patients based on the amount of asbestos they were exposed to and the duration of exposure.
In addition to lung issues mesothelioma may also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma lawyer) or the testicles and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). These symptoms are less frequent than those of mesothelioma pleural, but they can be equally debilitating. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, and despite improvements in treatment, many patients are not able to survive the first year after diagnosis.
A doctor will look over the medical history of a patient in order to identify any risk factors. This includes an examination of their employment background, particularly in the event that they were exposed asbestos. The doctor will also inspect the patient for signs of mesothelioma, such as fluid buildup in the lungs or abdominal cavity.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos may take steps to prevent mesothelioma from developing. They should adhere to safety at work regulations and inform their employer of any asbestos-related risks they may face. They should also remove from their homes any clothing or work equipment that could contain asbestos. They should contract a mesothelioma attorney removal company to remove asbestos from their homes, and avoid using cosmetics and talcum powder that could be affected by asbestos.