20 Interesting Quotes About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. 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 affordable and fire-proof. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma lawyer and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma lawyer history are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma attorneys and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests can 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 that patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.

In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma lawyers. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two first types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings automobiles and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop.

The exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you free of charge, no obligation. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (reviews over at Technetbloggers). We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.