This Week s Most Popular Stories Concerning Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the highest risk of being exposed.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma lawsuit is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.

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

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. mesothelioma attorney is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

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

In the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.

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

Different types of mesothelioma may affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma attorneys has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for mesothelioma lawyer

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

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get stuck in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the disease. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical 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 look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.