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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. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in 1970. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the most risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? birmingham asbestos law firm is a cancer that grows in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure. It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to other lung cancer. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may appear. There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However they all are identified with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs. When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request 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 is diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis. Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those with a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at chance of developing mesothelioma. The symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose 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 late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses. The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) however it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure. Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue that can lead to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining which can cause symptoms such as 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 illnesses. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will do an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be related to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers 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 Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral employed in construction, and other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres are ingested and inhaled. Then, they can become lodged in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes. Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced. Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll email it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask a nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.