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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries because it is inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure. The first signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue may appear. There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected region and examined under microscope. If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for just 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will typically inquire about the patient's or her prior 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 physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive process. In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships cars and many other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure. Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue, which could result in tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect various parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be misinterpreted as other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma. Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing hair, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. kansas city asbestos attorney could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes. Although mesothelioma is uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. The mesothelioma type and the far it has progressed will determine which treatments are available. The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be contacted to arrange a no-cost consultation on filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.