This Week s Most Popular Stories About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the highest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. These early symptoms can include breathing problems, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, may develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma attorneys accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs, 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 type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. mesothelioma lawsuit 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 misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. 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 majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma lawsuits can be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to consult your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma lawyers risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of specific 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 it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be related to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.