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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the greatest risk of being exposed. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. 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 houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure. It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. These early symptoms can include breathing problems, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may be observed, including fatigue and weight loss. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles vital organs. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a worse prognosis. Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma 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 at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses, such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses. Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the mesothelioma's final stages. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases. In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two first types and accounts between 30 and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos. massachusetts asbestos attorney who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue, which could result in tumors. Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique 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 symptoms or signs. 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 assist doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to form. Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get stuck in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, and family members may 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 may be related to the condition. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available. The right treatment can improve the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can speak to nurses any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.