Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at the greatest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma lawyers and rule out other illnesses.

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

During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For a long time it was employed in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma lawsuits may be mistaken for other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to see your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those 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 carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members can inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.

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

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These may include surgery, chemo 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 odds of survival even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit (Http://jade-crack.com/Home.php?mod=space&uid=1304126). We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.