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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Miners, construction workers shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at most risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct cars, homes, and buildings. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure. The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to determine. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, may develop. There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs. When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is found and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70% to 88% of mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for less than 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma. The symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses. Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases. In new hampshire asbestos law firm to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. During a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung lining (pleura) however it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. For a long time, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction sector in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos. Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and irritate the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and may cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are present within your body. Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. 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 areas of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. Then, they can become lodged in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are accountable for removing it or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes. While mesothelioma can be rare, it's important to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These may include surgery, chemo or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine the type of treatment available. The right treatment can boost the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.