Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

The occupational exposure to asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. Exposure can be seen in factories, shipyards mining sites, construction sites and mines.

Inhaled asbestos fibres get trapped in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and trigger gene mutations that result in cancer. The symptoms typically do not manifest until 20 to 60 years after exposure.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of cancer and the location where tumors grow in the body. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer and pericardial, peritoneal and peritoneal mesothelioma affect the heart and stomach. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty breathing.

A physical examination and detailed health history are the first steps in diagnosing mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor about any prior exposure to asbestos and report any unusual symptoms or body changes they've noticed. In addition to performing physical examinations doctors may also conduct imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing and to rule out other conditions like pneumonia or lung cancer.

Often, mesothelioma attorney symptoms don't manifest until decades after exposure asbestos. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and then cling to the organs' linings, such as the lungs or stomach. In time the fibers cause inflammation and lead to tumors. mesothelioma attorney symptoms often don't manifest until cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Once mesothelioma symptoms begin they can quickly worsen and affect a patient's quality of life. As the cancer spreads, patients can become weaker and bed-bound. Many patients suffering from mesothelioma at the last stages of their disease are in intense pain.

In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma risk. Smoking, military service or mesothelioma-related history in a family member may increase the risk of developing this disease.

The same asbestos fibers that cause irritation to the tissues of patients with mesothelioma may also cause irritation to the tissues of patients with lung or breast cancer. These risks can be reduced by not being exposed to asbestos and practicing good hygiene at work. For instance, employees must change their clothes prior to leaving for work and shower immediately after work to avoid bringing home any asbestos fibers on their clothing or skin. Those who live close to asbestos-contaminated workers should wash and change their clothes prior to entering the house.

Diagnosis

Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals with tiny fibres which are used in a variety of ways. These fibres can be released into air or into the lungs of those who use asbestos. As time passes the fibres accumulate and cause scarring in the lungs known as asbestosis. It can also cause cancer. Mesothelioma can be a type of cancer that is found.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma lawyer. Asbestos can be found in rocks and soil. It is very strong and can be transformed into thin, woven fibers that are used in many products. It was utilized in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists discovered the dangers it poses to human health. Asbestos is usually exposed when people inhale or swallow the fibers. They then adhere to organ linings. Over time, the tissue can develop tumors and trigger symptoms such as coughing, breathing problems and chest pain. The symptoms are not typically evident for 10 to 50 years following the initial exposure.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. However, some people are more susceptible than others. Any type of asbestos exposure can increase your chances of getting mesothelioma, including occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are at risk. If you or someone in your family has mesothelioma, it is recommended that you speak to a doctor about your asbestos background.

Different types of mesothelioma can be found in different areas of the body. Around 70 to 80 percent of cases are mesothelioma pleural. It begins in the layers of tissue that line each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma, which is less common, is more. It is located in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is found in two types that are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common and grows slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is a very rare mesothelioma form that contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is known as biphasic Mesothelioma.

The type of mesothelioma you have can help your doctors decide what treatment to give you. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy to lessen the symptoms and prolong your life span. The type of mesothelioma you have, the location of it and your medical background will determine the kind of treatment you will receive.

There are ways to lower your risk, even though mesothelioma is a rare cancer. If you've been exposed to asbestos in the past, try to reduce your exposure to asbestos and stay away from any areas that could have it. It is also advisable to talk to your doctor regarding any unusual or persistent symptoms that you have.

Recovery

Many mesothelioma patients are shocked to learn that past exposure to asbestos is the cause. They may be even more irritated to learn that their former employers did not warn them about the risks of their job or take any precautions to shield workers from this toxic material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help those suffering from the disease to get justice by filing an action against the accountable parties.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the tissue that lines the organs of the body, including stomach, lungs and the heart. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals that make long, thin fibers that are strong and fire resistant. Before scientists discovered its dangers to health asbestos was extensively used in construction materials, automotive parts, and other products. People who were involved in projects that required asbestos are more likely to develop mesothelioma. Shipyard workers, construction workers insulation workers, as well as asbestos elimination specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also clung onto clothing and other personal items and workers brought asbestos fibers home with them on their bodies, potentially exposing their family members to mesothelioma lawyers too.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent type of cancer. It affects the linings of the lungs, and typically begins in the chest. The symptoms include coughing up blood or fluid accumulation around the lungs. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.

The amount of exposure to asbestos and gender are two aspects that affect a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more vulnerable to this disease than women. Age is also a factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Some asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. People who have had radiation to the chest are also at greater risk for mesothelioma. So are those who have a family member suffering from this disease. The majority of mesothelioma cases happen in people who are over 60 years old.