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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure. 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, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at most risk of being exposed. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs of the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure. It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can be observed, including fatigue and weight loss. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers 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 microscope. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a less favorable 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. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma. The symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses. Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases. The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung lining (pleura), though it can also form in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulating material in ship construction, buildings automobiles and many other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure. Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you exhibit 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 help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be related to mesothelioma. Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale 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 starts when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. The exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes. Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to see a doctor if you have symptoms that could be related to the condition. These include chest pain, breathing problems or an ongoing cough. district of columbia asbestos lawyer will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced. The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this condition and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the compensation you deserve.