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10 Apps To Help You Manage Your Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, may appear.

There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. lees summit asbestos lawsuit is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis.

Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses.

The doctor may also suggest blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure.

In an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Causes of Mesothelioma


Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships cars and many other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most at risk for exposure to asbestos.

Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could result in tumors.

Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can 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 important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form.

Exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available.

The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, with no obligation. You can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.

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