bobcatboot34

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations before it was banned in 1970. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. cambridge asbestos law firm to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure. It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue. There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, however all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function. When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A sample of the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is found, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis. Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at chance of developing mesothelioma. The symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung. Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses. In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, 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. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma may affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to visit your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They may then get lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing. Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence It is still important to see a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available. Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. 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 on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.