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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations before it was banned in 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and abdomen. However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. 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 favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure. It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may appear. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined with microscope. If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. Symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Typically, whittier asbestos lawsuit do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases. The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure. During an examination, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect automobiles, ships, buildings and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of exposure to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could cause tumors. Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. 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 such as chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present. 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 help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body. Although mesothelioma does not transmit the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at a greater risk for developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, skin and hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when the cells of the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to form. The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They can then become lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers might carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes. Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be related to the condition. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If mesothelioma has been diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced. The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the treatment options available. We'll deliver it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family members receive the amount of compensation you deserve.