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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees, and veterans are at the most danger of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that surround various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only cause that is known 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 automobiles, homes, and structures. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure. The initial signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue may develop. There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function. If 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 a microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with a family history of mesothelioma. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. apple valley asbestos lawyer include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses. Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases. The doctor may also suggest imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mix of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has properties that resist heat. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure. Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors. Different types of mesothelioma can affect various parts of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases, it is important to consult your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma. Although mesothelioma is not contagious however, relatives of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma. Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothing. Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be related to the disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available. Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, without obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.