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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations before it was banned in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that surround various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances may result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure. It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may develop. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function. If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis. Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. It is often mistaken for other diseases, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses. The physician may also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure. During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. For decades it was utilized in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings cars, and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure. Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. gresham asbestos lawsuit can be easily swallowed and inhaled, and can irritate mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could result in tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may 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 is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing the formation of tumors. Exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale them when they clean the clothes. Although mesothelioma is rare, it's essential to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available. The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.