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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 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 surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma attorneys. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma lawsuits in their family. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.

The physician may also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma attorneys that patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two first types and accounts between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. For decades, it was used in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present in your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to consult 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 ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free mesothelioma lawyer Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.