hemet asbestos lawsuit and Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Exposure can occur in shipyards, factories mining sites, construction sites, and other.
Asbestos fibers inhaled are trapped in the lining (pleura) of the lungs and cause gene mutations that can result in cancer. The symptoms typically don't appear until 20-60 years after exposure.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the tumors are located within the body and also on the type and stage. For example Pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually affect the lungs. However, mesothelioma that affects the pericardial and peritone the heart and stomach, respectively. Patients can also experience other symptoms associated with their condition, including fatigue, weight loss and breathing difficulties.
A physical exam and a thorough health history are among the first steps in diagnosing mesothelioma. Patients should inform their doctor of any asbestos exposure or unusual signs or changes to the body that they have noticed. In addition to an examination of the body doctors may order imaging tests to see how the disease is progressing, and to rule out other conditions such as pneumonia or lung cancer.
Most often, mesothelioma symptoms do not show up until decades after exposure asbestos. This is due to the fact that asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, and they cling to the organs' linings like the lungs or stomach. In time, these fibers cause inflammation and lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically are not evident until cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
When mesothelioma-related symptoms start they can quickly worsen and impact a patient's quality of life. Patients can become weak and bed-bound when the cancer spreads. In the end, many late-stage mesothelioma patients suffer severe pain at the end of their lives.
In addition to the physical exam, doctors ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma risk. Smoking, military service, or a history of mesothelioma in a family member can increase the risk of developing the disease.
Patients with mesothelioma tend to be at greater chance of developing other types of cancer, including lung and breast cancer due to the fact that asbestos fibers can irritate these tissues as well. By avoiding exposure to asbestos and maintaining good hygiene at work, these risks are reduced. Employees must shower and change their clothes immediately after leaving work to avoid bringing asbestos-containing fibers home onto their clothing or skin. People who live close to asbestos-contaminated workers should shower and change clothes before entering the home.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that have tiny fibres that are used in many different ways. The people who use asbestos could release these fibres into the air and lungs of anyone nearby. As time passes the fibres accumulate and cause scarring of the lungs called asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is found in the protective linings of organs known as mesothelium. It is most common in the chest lining (pleura), or abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos is frequently a factor in mesothelioma. It can take decades for mesothelioma to show up and is a difficult diagnosis.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma begins with a visit to the doctor and a physical examination. This will help your doctor recognize the symptoms you are experiencing and rule out other conditions. Your doctor can also order blood tests and imaging scans to check for mesothelioma, or to determine the symptoms of other conditions such as lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can assist doctors diagnose mesothelioma by identifying pleural effusions or peritoneal effusion.
These tests can help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma in which you are and help determine the best treatment options for you. Each stage of mesothelioma has an individual prognosis. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the severity of your symptoms and how fast they will progress.
Your doctor may use a variety of diagnostic tests depending on where mesothelioma has been found. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and is the most common form of mesothelioma. Doctors may diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, targeting the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma specifically targeting the lining of the heart.
During a mesothelioma diagnosis, your doctor will ask about the exposure to asbestos and whether you experience any symptoms. They will then perform physical examination and review your medical history. If they suspect you have mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist who can perform additional tests and scans. These tests can help determine the type and stage of your cancer and also how far it has taken over.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is present in soil and rock. It is extremely durable and can be transformed into thin, woven fibers that are used in a variety of products. It was utilized in the United States for insulation and construction materials in the 20th century before scientists learned of the dangers it poses to human health. Asbestos is typically exposed when people breathe or swallow the fibers. They adhere to the lining of organs. In time, the lining may develop tumors and trigger symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain. The symptoms are not typically evident for 10-50 years after initial exposure.
Mesothelioma can strike anyone who has been exposed to asbestos, but some are at a greater risk. Mesothelioma can result from any asbestos exposure which includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who were exposed to asbestos through their families are also at risk. It is important to inform your doctor if anyone in your family is diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Different types of mesothelioma be found in different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type, affecting about 70 to 80% of all cases. It starts in the layers of tissue that surround the lungs (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common. It is found in the interior (peritoneum) of the abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is found in two types that are epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more common and develops slower than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is also a rare mesothelioma which includes both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. It is called biphasic mesothelioma.
The type of mesothelioma that you have could help your doctors decide how to treat you. Your doctors may suggest chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy to lessen the symptoms and prolong your lifespan. The type of mesothelioma that you have, its location and your medical history will determine the type of treatment that you receive.
There are ways to decrease your risk of developing mesothelioma is a rare cancer. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, you should try to limit your exposure and stay away from any places that might contain it. Consult your doctor in the event of any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are shocking to discover that asbestos exposure in the past is the reason. It is even more disturbing the fact that their former employers failed to warn them of the dangers of their job or take any measures to safeguard workers from asbestos's harmful material. A mesothelioma lawyer can help those suffering from the disease by filing a suit against the parties responsible.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is located in the tissues that cover organs in the body, including stomach and lungs. The most significant reason for this is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that forms long, thin fibers that are durable and resistant to fire. Before scientists discovered its health hazards asbestos was extensively used in construction materials, automotive parts, and other products. People who were involved in projects that required asbestos are most likely to develop mesothelioma. Shipyard workers, construction workers insulation workers, and asbestos abatement specialists are all at risk. Asbestos also clung onto clothing and other personal items and workers took the fibers home with them on their bodies, which could expose their families to mesothelioma as well.
The most frequent type of cancer is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lung's lining and symptoms usually start in the chest, such as coughing up blood or a buildup of fluid around the lungs. It can also impact the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two aspects that can affect the chance of a person developing mesothelioma. Men are more vulnerable to this condition than women. The age of a person is another factor. Family history is also a risk factor, as certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to certain genes. People who have received radiation to the chest are at greater risk for mesothelioma. The same is true for those with a family member suffering from this disease. Most mesothelioma sufferers are older than 60 years old.