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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that protect various organs in 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. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure. It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can be observed, including fatigue and weight loss. There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. edinburg asbestos attorneys are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. The symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses. Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses. In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulating material in buildings, ships cars and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body. Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. The asbestos-related workers and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members may breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes. Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's important to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest Xray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine what treatments are available. While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you at no cost, without commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. 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