Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure in the workplace is the most significant cause of mesothelioma. Exposure can occur in factories, shipyards, mining sites and construction.

As asbestos fibres inhale, they are trapped in the lung's lining (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that cause cancer. Symptoms usually don't show up until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the kind and stage of cancer as well as the location the location where tumors grow in the body. For instance the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma typically affect the lungs. However, mesothelioma affecting the pericardial region and peritone the heart and stomach, respectively. Patients may also experience symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.

A physical exam and a thorough health history are the first steps to determine if you have mesothelioma. Patients should tell their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos and mention any unusual body changes or symptoms they've noticed. Doctors may also prescribe imaging tests in addition to a physical examination to determine the progression of the disease and rule out any other conditions such as lung cancer or pneumonia.

Often, mesothelioma symptoms don't show up until years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in swallowed, absorbed and stick to the organ linings, such as the stomach and lungs. In time the fibers cause inflammation and eventually tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't manifest until cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

As soon as mesothelioma begins to show signs, they can quickly worsen and impact the quality of life of patients. Patients may become weak and bed-bound as the cancer progresses. Many mesothelioma patients in the final stages of their disease are in intense pain.

In addition to a physical exam doctors will inquire about a patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk factors. A family member with mesothelioma or other types of cancer, smoking or military service can all increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Patients with mesothelioma attorneys are often at greater risk of developing other forms of cancer, such as breast cancer and lung cancer, because the same asbestos fibers can cause irritation to these tissues too. By avoiding asbestos exposure and maintaining a healthy hygiene at work, the risks can be minimized. Employees should shower and change clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos fibers home on their clothing or skin. Additionally, people living with workers who are exposed to asbestos should make certain to shower and change their own clothes prior to entering the house.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals with tiny fibres that are used in many different ways. These fibres are released into the air or lungs by people who use asbestos. In time, these fibres can accumulate and cause lung scarring known as asbestosis. It can also lead to cancer. Mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer, is a form that develops in the protective linings (mesothelium) of organs. It is most often found in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is often a factor in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can take decades to become apparent, making diagnosis difficult.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma lawyers is visiting your doctor and have a physical exam. This will allow your physician to identify the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out any other diseases. Your doctor can also order imaging scans and blood tests to look for mesothelioma or to identify symptoms of other conditions like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can help doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, by identifying pleural or the peritoneal effusion.

These tests also allow doctors to determine the stage of mesothelioma which determines the treatment options you have. Each stage of mesothelioma lawyer comes with a different prognosis. The stage of mesothelioma will determine how severe your symptoms are and how quickly they progress.

Depending on the location of your mesothelioma, your doctor may recommend different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most frequent mesothelioma type. Doctors may also diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, targeting the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma specifically targeting the lining of the heart.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will ask you about your asbestos exposure and whether you experience any symptoms. The doctor will conduct an examination and review your medical documents. If they suspect that mesothelioma is present, they will refer you to a specialist who will perform additional tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and stage of your mesothelioma, as well as showing how the cancer has spread.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is the most prevalent cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos can be found in rock and soil. It is a very strong mineral that can be made into thin woven fibers to be used in many different products. In the United States, asbestos was used for construction materials and insulation in the 20th century before scientists realized its dangers. The exposure to asbestos typically occurs when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then adhere to organ linings. As time passes, the organ's tissue may develop tumors that cause symptoms such as coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. The symptoms do not typically show for 10 to 50 years following initial exposure.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma, but some people are more susceptible than others. You can get mesothelioma from any type of asbestos exposure which includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are at a higher risk. It is important to inform your doctor if anyone in your family is diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma, for instance, is the most common type, affecting about 70 to 80 percent of cases. It begins in the tissue that covers the lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma lawyer, which is less common, is more. It occurs in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). There are two types of mesothelioma lawsuits that are malignant epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is more frequent than sarcomatoid and is more prone to growth. There is a very rare mesothelioma form that contains both sarcomatoid and epithelioid-cells. It is known as biphasic mesothelioma.

Your doctor will decide the best treatment for you based on the type of mesothelioma. Your doctors may recommend chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy to ease your symptoms and extend your life. The kind of treatment you are offered will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location it is located, and your medical background.

There are ways to lower your risk of developing mesothelioma cancer is rare. If you've been exposed to asbestos, limit your exposure to asbestos and avoid any areas where it may be present. You should also speak with your doctor regarding any unusual or persistent symptoms you may be experiencing.

Recovery

Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocked to discover that asbestos exposure in the past is the cause. More troubling is the fact that their former employers failed to warn them about the dangers of their job or take any measures to protect workers against asbestos, a toxic substance. A mesothelioma lawyer can help these patients find justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the tissue that covers organs in the body, including stomach and lungs. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos which is a group of minerals that create long thin fibers that are durable and fire-resistant. Asbestos was commonly used in automobile parts, buildings and other products prior to when scientists realized its health risks in the 20th century. People who were involved in projects that required asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes construction workers, shipyard employees, insulation workers, asbestos abatement technicians and other laborers who were exposed to asbestos dust. Asbestos fibers stick to clothing, personal items and even the bodies of workers. This can cause mesothelioma to their families.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent type of cancer. It affects the linings of lungs and usually starts in the chest. Symptoms include the coughing up of blood, or fluid buildup around the lung. It can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two aspects that can affect a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more vulnerable to this disease than women. Age is also a factor. Family history is also considered a risk factor, as certain asbestos-related illnesses have been linked to specific genes. People who have had radiation to the chest are more likely to develop mesothelioma. So are those with a family member suffering from this disease. Most mesothelioma patients are older than 60 years old.