25 Surprising Facts About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs of the body. mesothelioma attorney that is malignant is typically found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost 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 may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could be observed, including fatigue and weight loss.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

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

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

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

When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma lawyer to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. For decades, it was used in many American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings, cars and other items. Workers in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue, which could cause tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing the formation of tumors.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

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

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could 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 surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, without commitment. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (Www.diggerslist.com). We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.