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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs in the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure. The initial signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases, including lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue. There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs. When 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 with microscope. If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is responsible for only 10% of mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, 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 a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses. Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or rule out other illnesses. In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mixture of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can lead to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is crucial to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will do a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. bloomington asbestos lawyer will allow doctors to see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body. Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those 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 type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing. Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a doctor for any symptoms that could be linked to the condition. This includes chest pain, breathing problems or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced. While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll send it to you free of charge, no obligation. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve.