Mesothelioma and asbestos attorney Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at greatest risk of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the protective linings that protect various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure.

It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs.

If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos lawsuit are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. 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 make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other diseases.

Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos Legal exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.

The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time it was employed in a variety of American industries because it is inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos lawyer industry was especially profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings cars, and other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations.

Because mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to visit your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos legal exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form.

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become trapped 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 even family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos compensation fibers in their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing.

Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examinations and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available.

Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.