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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos law is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos (try these guys out) industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could 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 which type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura), though it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. For many years, it was used in a variety of American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look 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 in your body.

Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of those who worked with asbestos legal are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. These include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos legal. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will vary 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 improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you free of cost, with no obligation. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can also ask nurses any questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.