Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma 10 Things I d Like To Have Learned Earlier

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue could develop.

There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma lawsuit which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma lawyers than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

In a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. 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 in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings, cars and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue that can lead to tumors.

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

Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to develop.

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma lawsuits-related risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then be encased within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests 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 the treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll deliver it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (talking to). We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.