lawrence asbestos lawsuit and Asbestos Exposure
Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the most risk of exposure.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that protect different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include breathing problems or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue could develop.
There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has unique 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 is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.
Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.
Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses.
In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.
During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was employed in a variety of American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings, cars and many other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure.
Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. The fibers can be swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue that can cause tumors.
Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to see your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop.
Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma.
The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing.
Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a doctor for any symptoms that may be related to the disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct 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 is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer your questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.