The 10 Most Scariest Things About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at highest danger of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure.

The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, could develop.

There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos compensation is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma history are among these groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

asbestos law fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type 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 the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% 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. Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings cars and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are present within your body.

Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin and even their hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

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

Exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. Then, they can become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos lawyer fibers home on their clothing, and family members could inhale them when they clean the clothing.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a physician for any symptoms that may be related to the condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could 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 could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.

The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.