Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma attorneys gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue could develop.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and interferes with their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma lawyer. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma lawsuits

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma lawsuits with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive 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 mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present in your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous 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 ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, without obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.