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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure. It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could emerge, like fatigue and weight loss. There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma in their family. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma. Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses. In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure. During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. For decades, it was used in a variety of American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings cars and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma type and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body. Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. The exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. longmont asbestos lawsuit can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe them when they clean the clothing. Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the disease. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available. While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. You can also reach a lawyer for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.