wishmonth2

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at highest risk of being exposed. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure. It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may appear. There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses. The doctor might 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. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. arlington heights asbestos law firm can be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura) but it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. For a long time it was employed in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars, and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure 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 inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate which can lead to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to visit your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present in your body. Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes. While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest X-ray to look 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 the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.