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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs in the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is affordable and fire-proof. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure. The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue could develop. There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs. When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis. Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. Symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases. The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests could 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 the type of mesothelioma a patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure. During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two first types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura), though it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was extensively used in many American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos. Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. Over plantation asbestos lawyer , the irritation leads to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors. Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body. Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. The exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members can inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes. While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a 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 diagnosed. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced. The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.