Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma lawsuits is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma lawyers is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis.
Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
mesothelioma attorney develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient’s or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung’s lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart’s lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is heat-resistant, has properties. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct 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 there are changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for mesothelioma lawsuit
Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They’ll also perform physical examination and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine what 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 the disease and the available treatments. No obligation, we’ll email it to you at no cost. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.