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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized 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 exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue could develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and interferes with their function.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma lawyer. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.
Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.
Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-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. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.
When they perform the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma lawsuits. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
mesothelioma attorney is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.
Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
mesothelioma attorneys symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform 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 assist doctors determine if there are any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma lawsuit.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material employed in construction, and other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then become trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the disease. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma but 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 send it to you free of charge, 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 on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.
