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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was 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 greatest risk of being exposed. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the protective linings that cover different organs of the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used in the construction of cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure. The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses, including lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. Early symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could be observed, including fatigue and weight loss. There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has an individual prognosis. The most commonly encountered type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and interferes with their function. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which 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 chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it shows its first signs. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma. The doctor will inquire about the patient's prior asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and determine if there are other diseases. The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The mesothelioma cell can be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and is more likely to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two first kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. suffolk asbestos attorney was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure. Workers who handled asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors. Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common that affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses, it is important to see your physician if you notice any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be connected to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members 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. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. Then, they can become trapped in the lining of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most common in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. However blue-collar workers as well as relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Family members could inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes. Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a physician for any symptoms that could be related to the condition. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to look for mesothelioma. Other tests can include a computed-tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced. While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, without commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse is available to answer any questions you may have. 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 family receive the justice you deserve.