What Is The Heck What Exactly Is 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 utilized in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with mesothelioma history are among these groups. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. mesothelioma lawsuit can be difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two primary types and accounts between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. mesothelioma attorney typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings, cars and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue, which could result in tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to visit your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers begins when cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma attorneys.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale them when they clean the clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to look 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 options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (read the full info here). We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.