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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor. Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in 1970. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at the highest danger of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure. The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to the symptoms of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue, may appear. There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These groups include people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses. Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and conduct an examination. 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 abdomen and chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. In an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two first types and accounts between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About three thousand 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 mineral that naturally occurs, has heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative in the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure. Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate and can cause tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may 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 unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body. Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, like other cancers is a result of cells in the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing. Family members could inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes. While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to consult a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all signs. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to check 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 is diagnosed. This could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced. While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. richmond asbestos attorney , we'll email it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the justice they deserve.