20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the most risk of being exposed. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure. The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue could develop. There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Temecula asbestos lawsuits of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. The symptoms are often 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 those of other diseases. Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases. In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years, it was used in many American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos. Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue, which could cause tumors. Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident within your body. Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous 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. Then, they can become lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes. Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a physician if you have symptoms that may be related to the condition. These include chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. These could include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve.