Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the greatest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that surround various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma attorneys.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

mesothelioma lawyer develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma lawsuit. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30% and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings cars and other items. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do 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 can help doctors see if any mesothelioma attorneys-related changes are evident within your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to look 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. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free mesothelioma attorneys guide to learn more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll send it to you free of cost, without commitment. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.