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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. 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 used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances may cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure. It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue. There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function. If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis. Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. Additionally, people who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs in the internal including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses. In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure. In an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. As avondale asbestos lawsuit passes the irritation causes scar tissue, which can lead to tumors. Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma. Although mesothelioma does not transmit, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing the formation of tumors. Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing. Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to consult a doctor for any symptoms that could be related to the condition. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced. Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you free of charge, no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.