Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.
Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs 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?
The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Malignant
mesothelioma lawsuit is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor.
asbestos case was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to
asbestos lawyer when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue could develop.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs.
asbestos lawyer fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common 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. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are 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 imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The
asbestos lawyer industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.
Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most common mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain 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 diseases. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.
Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to
asbestos claim brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s.