Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, malignant
mesothelioma attorneys is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may appear.
There are four distinct types of
mesothelioma lawyers. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and disrupts their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.
In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
During an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for
mesothelioma attorneys. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present 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. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For a long time it was employed in many American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts 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.
Exposure to asbestos is the main
mesothelioma lawyer risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe them when they clean the clothes.
Even though mesothelioma may be uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you free of cost, without obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (
redirected here). We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.