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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the protective linings that surround various organs within the body called the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used to build automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure. The first signs of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as fatigue and weight loss. There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function. When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases, and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on other hand, accounts for less than 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. Symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal, including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. It is often mistaken for other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses. Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure, and then perform a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses. The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure. When they perform an examination, doctors remove mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the former two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the first two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure. 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 resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ships, buildings automobiles and many other products. Workers in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos. Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. In time irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors. Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other illnesses. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can assist doctors determine if there is any changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. They could breathe 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 the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing tumors to develop. The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most common in people who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, and family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing. Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. These include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform a physical exam and a chest Xray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If mesothelioma is diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about the treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced. Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. columbia asbestos law firm , we'll email it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to an experienced nurse any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.