Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure.

What is mesothelioma lawyer?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may develop.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma attorneys, they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma lawyers. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma lawyer with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For decades it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present in your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members 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 clothing, skin and hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was utilized in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. 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 consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos attorney. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also contact us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.