Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at the highest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma lawsuit they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma attorney accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. mesothelioma attorneys is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings cars and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present in your body.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma lawyer develops when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to develop.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.