Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that protect various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common kansas city mesothelioma lawsuit type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by the doctor to confirm a Minneapolis Mesothelioma Lawyer diagnosis and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The bridgeport asbestos lawsuit industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas 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 frequent type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will do a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, 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, skin and hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

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

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you free of cost, without obligation. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.