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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at most risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. mesothelioma attorney is a rare type of cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

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

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue, which can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma attorneys affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do 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 can help doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

Exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma lawyers-related risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They may then get stuck 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 even relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be related to the condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma lawsuits, and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.