Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the most risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma lawyer. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma lawyer.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma lawyer form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a combination of the two kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. For decades it was utilized in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct 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.
mesothelioma lawyers may not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to develop.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma lawyer type and the far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.