Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at the most danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma attorney because the first symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.
There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma lawyer which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma attorney. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty 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 symptoms to begin to show. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient’s or her past 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 might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung’s lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart’s lining (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma attorney each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed 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 cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue that can result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among 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.
Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members may inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it’s vital to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They’ll also conduct a physical exam and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma lawsuits is diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We’ll deliver it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (Read the Full Report). We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.