25 Surprising Facts About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma attorney can affect the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the greatest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

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

When doctors suspect mesothelioma lawsuits, they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma attorneys, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent 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 the pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. For decades it was employed in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings cars, and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may order 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 within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma lawyer. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemo 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 isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no commitment. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (This Web site). We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.