Why No One Cares About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. Exposure to asbestos litigation is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. People who worked on these projects may have been exposed to Asbestos legal as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue could develop.

There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.

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

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma in their family. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos legal exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two first types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos attorney. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

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

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos lawyer fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged 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. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos settlement-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.