Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the highest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body called the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

asbestos compensation fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

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

When they perform the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung's lining (pleura), though it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. For many years it was employed in a variety of American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos legal (browse around these guys) industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can 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 grow and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may 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 any changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos attorney 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 can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of those who worked with asbestos claim are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a physician for any symptoms that could be related to the disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.