Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.
There are four types of mesothelioma lawsuit, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma attorneys they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma 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 type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. mesothelioma lawsuit can be difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two first types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma attorneys diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. For decades it was employed in a variety of American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
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 swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue, which could result in tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. Then, they can become trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members may inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform a physical exam and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma attorney yet, the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.