Mesothelioma From Asbestos
Mesothelioma, an abnormal growth of the tissues of certain organs of the body, is caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can trigger the disease. Exposure can happen at home or at work.
Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also affect linings of the stomach or heart and can be spread to other parts of the.
Exposure
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the main cause of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. The exposure to asbestos can be caused by a variety of factors that include working in asbestos mills or mines producing asbestos-related products, cleaning up asbestos after asbestos removal, removing, repairing or replacing asbestos-containing materials and living close to asbestos-containing facilities. Individuals can also be exposed to asbestos in non-work situations, such as when bringing home contaminated clothing from asbestos workers or living near a geological asbestos deposit, like the zeolites (a group of minerals that are chemically identical to asbestos).
Mesothelioma usually takes between 20 and 50 years to develop after the initial exposure to asbestos. This time frame is known as the latency period. The most at risk are those who have been exposed to asbestos for the longest time. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma due to the higher levels of exposure to asbestos that they encounter in blue-collar occupations and all branches of the military.
Exposure to asbestos may also cause a condition called mesothelioma pleural. The mesothelioma form affects the pleura, thin membrane that runs along the lungs and chest cavity. Asbestos exposure can cause the pleura to become thickened and fibrotic, which makes it hard for the patient to breathe. The pleura can also develop effusions or fluid pockets which are visible on x-rays.
Asbestosis is a different lung disease that can manifest when someone has been exposed for a long period to asbestos. This is a scarring of the lungs, and it can cause shortness of breath and chest pain. This disease can make it difficult for patients to take a full breath. They might also hear the sound of a pulsing lung, which doctors call rales. Asbestosis increases the risk of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestosis can be caused by many factors such as smoking. Smoking does not seem to cause or worsen mesothelioma. Smoking cigarettes is not recommended for anyone who has been exposed to asbestos.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue that surrounds internal organs. Exposure to asbestos fibers can increase the chance of developing the disease. It develops in a layer around the lungs, called mesothelioma of the pleural region, or in the lining around the abdomen.
Mesothelioma may develop between 15 and fifty years after asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in insulation, brakes and shingles prior to the 1970s. Workers who handled these materials or removed them were exposed to asbestos fibers. The fibers can be inhaled or ingested, causing irritation and leading to mesothelioma. The highest risk is for those who have worked in industries like construction, mining and manufacturing.
Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of mesothelioma is the most prevalent. It occurs when the asbestos fibers are inhaled and become embedded in the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura). These fibers cause damage to healthy tissue over time. This leads to the development of scar tissue and malignant mesothelioma tumors.
People suffering from this type of mesothelioma may experience shortness of breath, coughing chest pain, a lump in the chest. They may also experience fatigue or fever. If diagnosed with mesothelioma a doctor will take a medical history and conduct a physical examination. Blood tests, imaging scans, and a biopsy will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
There are a myriad of asbestos-related illnesses that can be mistaken for mesothelioma. To increase the chances of receiving the correct diagnosis, it's important to speak with a reputable mesothelioma lawyer. This attorney can review your case to see whether you are eligible for compensation. You could be eligible to start a mesothelioma lawsuit in order to get the financial assistance you deserve. This is why it's essential to contact a reputable mesothelioma law firm right away.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibers are deposited in the cellular linings that line the membranes of the pleura (near the lungs) or the peritoneum (near the abdominal cavity). Most often, the condition is affecting the pleura. The fluid buildup between the lungs, chest wall and the pleura can cause breathing difficulties.
It takes years for the disease to develop. This is why many people diagnosed with mesothelioma have been retired workers or older adults. Men are more likely than women to develop mesothelioma because they have historically been employed in positions which were more likely to expose asbestos, including construction and shipbuilding.
Inhaling asbestos fibers, they cause irritation to the lining of the lungs, also known as the pleura. The irritation can cause the body to develop tumors, which can spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms of pleural melanoma can include difficulty breathing, chest swelling and pain, as well as constant coughing.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using an examination and examining symptoms. They will request imaging scans that help them identify abnormalities in the tissue such as tumors. They will also ask about the person's work history and whether relatives have been exposed to asbestos.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will conduct a biopsy. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small pieces of the tumor and analyze them under a microscope, looking for cancer cells. The type of biopsy that is used is determined by the location and the size of the tumor.
In the case of pleural mesothelioma doctors typically use a needle biopsy to obtain a sample of the tumor. This involves inserting the needle, which is long and thin, through the chest's skin, between the ribs and into the pleura. The doctor inserts the needle after numbing the region by a local anesthetic.
Bakersfield asbestos attorney of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will determine which treatment options are available, as well as the prognosis or anticipated outcome. The two most frequent mesothelioma types are epithelioid as well as sarcomatoid. Biphasic Mesothelioma, which is less common has a mix of both cell types.
Treatment
The majority of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma spent years working in jobs that exposed them to asbestos. It was typically when they worked in construction or shipbuilding. Even though asbestos is no longer being used in buildings, old construction materials and products could still contain it. It is also present in cars, sports equipment and other items that were manufactured prior to the time that asbestos was banned from use.
Asbestos is comprised of microscopic fibres which are easily breathed in and become airborne. These particles can settle in the lungs and cause irritation. If the irritation becomes persistent it can result in cancerous cells that cause tumors within the lining of the lung. Because the disease typically takes a long time to develop and spread the majority of people suffering from mesothelioma have retired.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but deadly cancer that can be fatal. The symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, and are not apparent until late in the disease. The condition can be difficult to diagnose as there are no screening tests available.
The treatment options for mesothelioma rely on the nature and location of the cancer. Patients with pleural mesothelioma undergo surgery to remove the cancerous tissue and improve breathing as well as other symptoms. Other options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and combinations of these treatments.
For people who aren't candidates for surgery, a doctor might suggest draining the fluid in the chest, called pleurodesis. The procedure can be accomplished with a minimally invasive surgery called video assisted thoracic surgical (VATS). If a person doesn't qualify for VATS, an indwelling pleural drainage can be placed to help alleviate pain and breathlessness.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and reduce lung tumors. Doctors often combine it with other cancer treatment to achieve the best results.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are often painful and debilitating. Patients and their families can work together with a mesothelioma specialist to determine the most effective treatment. A team of experts develops an individual treatment plan that will reduce symptoms and increase survival chances. Patients may also consult their physicians about palliative care which is focused on improving the quality of life by relieving discomfort and reducing symptoms.