The 10 Most Scariest Things About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

mesothelioma attorney and Asbestos Exposure

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

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and 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 each year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, may appear.

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 include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and hinders their function.

If a doctor suspects mesothelioma lawyers, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients 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 being diagnosed with the disease than other. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. 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 tissue that line and protect internal organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. It is often mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. 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 to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma lawyer cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in buildings, ships cars and many other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma lawsuits form and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes 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

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos and 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 may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale them when they clean the clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (here). We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.