20 Myths About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: Dispelled

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that surround 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 develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue could develop.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma 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 its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma lawyers.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma attorneys is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For decades, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships cars and other items. Those 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 which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma attorney type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma lawsuit may be mistaken for other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body.

Although mesothelioma attorneys is not contagious the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin, and. 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

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a physician if you have symptoms that may be related to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.