The 10 Scariest Things About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

mesothelioma lawyers and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 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 was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. The symptoms are often confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to 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 perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

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

In a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma lawyers. The majority of mesothelioma attorney cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

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

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings automobiles and many other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure.

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

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe them when they clean the clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.