Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue could develop.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma lawyer type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma lawyer and to rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.

In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

mesothelioma lawyer symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. 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 can assist doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to develop.

Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma 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 and ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings 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. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (read). We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.