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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at the highest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries due to its cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances may lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure. It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss, may develop. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs. If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lung. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged. The genetic changes that occur result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are chest pain, coughing and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or to rule out other illnesses. In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor may also order an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or an minimally invasive procedure. During the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium from small amounts and search for mesothelioma. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid variant 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 variant is a combination of the two types and accounts between 30% and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the 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 caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was used for decades in many American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Workers in the construction industry were among those most at risk for exposure to asbestos. Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to develop. The most significant 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 exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma. st louis asbestos attorneys -related workers particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale them when they clean the clothing. Although mesothelioma is rare It is still important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms that may be related to the disease. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about the treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced. The right treatment can improve the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, without obligation. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation about the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We're committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.