Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is Asbestos Legal exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at greatest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

asbestos lawyer fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

The physician may also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two first types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For a long time it was utilized in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and other items. Workers in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

The exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. Then, they can become trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos attorney and were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos settlement workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos attorney fibers home on their clothes. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, 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. They'll also conduct physical examinations and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been identified. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.