20 Myths About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma: Debunked

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos lawyers is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.

There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma attorneys. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, 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 may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos lawyers. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings automobiles and many other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma lawyer related changes are forming within your body.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos lawyer often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain 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 and family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. These 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. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit (relevant webpage). We're committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.