cattleanswer06

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure. It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as fatigue and weight loss. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function. If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis. Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. Workers in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among the groups. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. Symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. roanoke asbestos lawyer can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other diseases. Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases. In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure. In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings, cars, and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can result in tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma. Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes. Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how 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 survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the available treatments. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.