Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The main risk factor is exposure to mounds view asbestos law firm.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. 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 to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships, cars and many 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 that could cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lung. It is the most common mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to see your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), Vimeo.com positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. This could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, without obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.