Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. montana asbestos attorneys is the main risk factor. Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs in the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure. The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. These early symptoms can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may appear. There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those 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 tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases. In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure. During an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two first types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos. Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors. Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma. Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater 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 clothing hair, skin, and. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors. Exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes. Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be related to the disease. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have 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 (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available. Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.