20 Myths About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: Dispelled

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at most danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs in the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

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

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and disrupts their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for just 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma attorneys-related family history. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

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

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

asbestos lawsuit is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. For a long time, it was used in many American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings cars and many other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform an examination and request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos attorney exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare however, it is essential to see a physician if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos lawsuit. They'll also perform physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, without obligation. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.