This Week s Top Stories About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may develop.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or 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.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma attorneys are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. mesothelioma attorney is often difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma lawsuit diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a 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 typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About three thousand 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 following exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings cars, and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

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

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

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

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to develop.

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform a physical exam and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma attorneys. Other tests can include 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. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma attorney type and the it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost 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 deliver it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.