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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 a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at highest risk of being exposed.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body called the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. Waukegan asbestos lawyers can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may develop.
There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Anyone who has come 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. 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 develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses.
The physician may also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure.
During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two first types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years it was utilized in many American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can 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 distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is essential to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin, and. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.
Exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They may then get stuck in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.
Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you have ever 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 computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available.
The right treatment can increase the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, with no obligation. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.