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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor. Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at the most danger of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The exposure to asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure. The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue may appear. There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 80percent of mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma cases and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased chance of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (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 can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other diseases. Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases. The doctor might also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships cars and other items. Those who worked in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos. Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can cause tumors. Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. The most common type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as 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 essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct an examination and order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body. Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. 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 Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fibrous material used in construction, among other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes. Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you've ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma but the correct treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Get mount pleasant asbestos lawyer to know more about this condition and the available treatments. We'll ship it to you at no cost, without obligation. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.