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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked 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 the exposure. It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may be observed, including weight loss and fatigue. There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and disrupts their function. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under a microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for just 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. Additionally, people who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). westminster asbestos lawyer of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, the cells become damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses. Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses. 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. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure. During an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. For decades it was employed in a variety of American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure. Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow, leading to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present within your body. Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and ingested. Then, they can become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing. Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that may be related to the disease. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests 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 possible treatment options. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available. While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. 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 for free. We can also be reached by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.