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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations before it was banned in 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the highest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct structures, homes aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure. The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include breathing problems, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, may develop. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs. When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma in their family. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. The symptoms are often confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases. In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. lawton asbestos attorney can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. For a long time it was employed in many American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Those who worked in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could cause tumors. Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to visit your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are any changes within your body that could be related to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to 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 areas of the body, causing tumors to form. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes. Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your health history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available. While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the available treatments. We'll send it to you free of cost, with no obligation. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.