Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.
Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that surround different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may appear.
There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.
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 microscope. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80% of all
mesothelioma lawsuits cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, is responsible for just 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma in their family. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare 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 diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
When they perform a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. For decades, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Because
mesothelioma attorney may be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to see your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.
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 before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing
mesothelioma attorney. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination 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 the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
The right treatment can boost the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you free of charge, no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a
mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.