Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the most danger of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that protect various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only known cause of 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 homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure.
The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, may develop.
There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are 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 interferes with their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two primary types and accounts between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of mesothelioma lawsuits
Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.
Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue that can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the 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 distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.
Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other diseases, it is important to visit your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body.
Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for mesothelioma lawyer
Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma attorney is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
People who worked with asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.
Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the disease. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.
The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you at no charge, no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask nurses any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (simply click the up coming website page). We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.
