Why People Don t Care About Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma

From Yuri Project

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.

Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure.

The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may emerge, like fatigue and weight loss.

There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and interferes with their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse 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 more than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related family history. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma.

Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos lawyers, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

During an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two primary types and accounts between 30 and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to build up which can lead to tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident within your body.

Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to develop.

Exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos lawyer. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma lawsuits is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma attorneys. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the available treatments. We'll send it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also call a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.