ontario asbestos attorney and Asbestos Exposure
Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. Exposure to asbestos can be found in shipyards, construction sites and factories.
Asbestos fibers inhaled are stuck in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. They cause gene mutations that can cause cancer. The symptoms usually don't manifest until 20-60 years after exposure.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the location where the tumors are situated in the body and also on the stage and type. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs while pericardial, peritoneal and peritoneal mesothelioma affect the stomach and heart. Patients may also experience additional symptoms related to their condition, including fatigue, weight loss and breathing difficulties.
A physical exam and a thorough health history are among the first steps to diagnose mesothelioma. Patients must inform their physician of any asbestos exposure as well as any unusual symptoms or changes in the body they have noticed. In addition to performing a physical examination doctors may also request imaging tests to determine how the disease is progressing, and to rule out other ailments like pneumonia or lung cancer.
Often, mesothelioma symptoms don't show up until years after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can adhere to the linings of organs like the stomach and lungs. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and lead to tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually do not appear until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
As soon as mesothelioma begins to show symptoms, they can quickly worsen and impact the quality of life of a patient. As the cancer grows and patients weaken, they can become and bed-bound. This is why many mesothelioma patients in late stage are suffering a lot towards the end of their lives.
In addition to the physical exam, doctors inquire about the patient's asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk. Smoking, military service or a history of mesothelioma in a family member could increase the chance of developing this disease.
The same asbestos fibers that irritate the tissues of patients suffering from mesothelioma may also cause irritation to the tissues of patients suffering from lung or breast cancer. The risk can be decreased by not being exposed to asbestos and ensuring good hygiene in the workplace. For instance, employees must change their clothes before leaving for work and shower immediately after work to avoid bringing home any asbestos-containing particles on their skin or clothing. Those who live close to asbestos-contaminated workers should shower and change clothes before entering the home.
Diagnosis
Asbestos is an assortment of minerals that are found naturally and contain tiny fibres. It can be used in a variety of ways. These fibres are released into the air or into the lungs of those who use asbestos. Over time the fibres accumulate and cause scarring in the lungs called asbestosis. It may also cause cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, develops in the protective linings (mesothelium) of organs. It is most often found in the chest lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). Patients with mesothelioma are frequently exposed to asbestos in their work environments. It can take decades for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest making diagnosis difficult.
The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma involves a visit to the doctor and a physical examination. This can help your physician understand the symptoms that you are experiencing and rule out any other diseases. Your doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests to check for mesothelioma, or to detect symptoms of other illnesses like lung diseases. X-rays, CT (computerised tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans can assist doctors diagnose mesothelioma by identifying pleural or peritoneal effusion.
These tests can also help doctors determine the stage of mesothelioma, which determines the treatment options you have. Each mesothelioma stage has a different prognosis. The stage of your mesothelioma will affect how severe the symptoms are and how fast they will progress.
Based on the location of your mesothelioma, your doctor may recommend different diagnostic tests. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. Doctors may diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma as well, which targets the lining of the abdomen or pericardial mesothelioma specifically targeting the lining of the heart.
In the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis your doctor will inquire about your exposure to asbestos as well as whether you have any symptoms. They will then perform a physical exam and review your medical background. If they suspect mesothelioma, they will refer you to an expert for further tests and scans. These tests will help diagnose the type and the stage of your cancer, as well as how far it has spread.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos can be found in soil and rock. It is extremely durable and can be transformed into thin weaved 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 realized its dangers to human health. Asbestos is usually exposed when people breathe in or swallow the fibers. They then cling to the lining of organs. In time, the lining may develop tumors and cause symptoms like coughing, breathing difficulties and chest pain. The symptoms are not typically evident for 10-50 years after initial exposure.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma, but some individuals are more at risk than others. Any exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes occupational and para-occupational exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos through their family members are also at a higher risk. It is important to inform your doctor if someone in your family is diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Different types of mesothelioma are found in different areas of the body. Around 70 to 80 percent of cases are pleural mesothelioma. It starts in the layers of tissue that surround each lung (pleural mesothelium). Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common. It is located in the lining (peritoneum) of the abdomen. There are two different kinds of mesothelioma malignancy epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a higher incidence and is more prone to growth than mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features. There is a rare mesothelioma that contains both epithelioid- and sarcomatoid-cells. It is called biphasic mesothelioma.
The type of mesothelioma can aid your doctor in deciding how to treat you. Your doctors may recommend chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy to ease your symptoms and extend your life span. The kind of treatment you are offered will depend on the type of mesothelioma, the location it is located, and your medical history.
Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, there are some things you can do to lower the risk. If you've been exposed to asbestos, limit your exposure to it and avoid any places where it may be present. Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Recovery
Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma feel shocking to learn that asbestos exposure in the past was the reason. Even more upsetting is the fact that their former employers failed to warn them of the dangers of their job or take any action to protect workers against asbestos's harmful material. A mesothelioma lawyer could help the patients seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line the body's organs, including the lungs, stomach and the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos which is a class of minerals that create long, thin fibers that are tough and fire resistant. Before scientists realized its dangers to health asbestos was used extensively in construction materials, automotive parts, and other products. People who worked on projects that involved 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 to clothing and other personal items and workers carried these fibers home on their bodies, exposing their family members to mesothelioma too.
Pleural mesothelioma, or pleural mesotheli common type of this cancer. It affects the linings of lung and is usually found in the chest. Symptoms include bleeding from the chest or fluid accumulation around the lung. It can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal pericardial) or the heart.
The amount of asbestos exposure and gender are two elements that can affect a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Men are more likely to contract this condition than women, and an individual's age is another important factor. A family history is also a risk factor. Certain asbestos-related diseases have been linked to specific genes. Mesothelioma is more frequent in people who have had chest radiation or have a family member who has the disease. The majority of mesothelioma patients are older than 60.