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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at highest danger of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs in the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure. The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may appear. There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs. When 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 a microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis. Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma. Symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will typically 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 determine if there are other diseases. In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. newport news asbestos attorney is often requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and is more likely to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has heat-resistant properties. For a long time it was utilized in a variety of American industries due to its affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles and many other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos. Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors. Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lung. This is the most common mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body. Although mesothelioma is not contagious the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma. The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes. Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases however, it is essential to see a physician for any symptoms that could be linked to the condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examinations and a chest Xray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include 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 identified. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced. The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. We can also be reached by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be contacted to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the compensation you deserve.