25 Surprising Facts About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

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

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma lawyer. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma lawsuits which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma attorneys cases, and has a poorer prognosis.

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

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans 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 diagnosis and to determine what type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time it was employed in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.

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

Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body.

Although mesothelioma lawyer is not contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.

mesothelioma lawyers is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. They may include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit [Read the Full Document]. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.