20 Myths About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: Dispelled

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as weight loss and fatigue.

There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma attorney are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma lawyers. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

When they perform the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mix of the two first types and accounts between 30 and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to 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 are easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems 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 the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

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

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma attorneys is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members may breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma attorneys has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.