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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only known cause of 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 homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure. The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, may develop. There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like 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 diseases. Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses. The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process. During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two primary types and accounts between 30 and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma. 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. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos. Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to consult your physician if you notice 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 can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body. Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells in the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma. Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing. Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could 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 could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced. The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. westminster asbestos attorney 'll ship it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.