How To Outsmart Your Boss On Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for 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 cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, could develop.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had asbestos legal (This Web-site)-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung.

Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to begin showing symptoms. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases.

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

During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every 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, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. For many years it was employed in a variety of American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.

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

Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to consult your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos lawsuit fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become trapped in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos law workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos settlement fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that could be related to the disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been identified. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, without obligation. You can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.