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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations before it was banned in 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at greatest risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, may develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma lawsuits types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that surrounds the vital organs.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.
The doctor may also suggest scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma lawyer diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings, cars and other items. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma attorneys may affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
mesothelioma attorneys is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous employed in construction, and other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available.
The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the treatments available. We'll send it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (url). We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.