"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at most risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that surround different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, may develop.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma attorney. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma lawyer. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries because of its low cost 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 ships, buildings automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma lawyers type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin, and. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to form.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be related to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free mesothelioma attorney Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.