Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. 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 was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.
There are four different kinds of
mesothelioma lawyers. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid
mesothelioma lawsuit makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. It is often mistaken for other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. 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 to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or 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 is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for
mesothelioma lawsuit growth after exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings cars, and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual 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 symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform an examination and 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 within your body.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe them when they clean the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be related to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you 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 determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, without obligation. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a
mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.