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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of organs internal to them. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at most 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. Most often, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure. It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer. Initial symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could emerge, like weight loss and fatigue. There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and hinders their function. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts to 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a lower prognosis. Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma 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 during work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can 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 cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to begin to show. The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses. In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mix of the two kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos. Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhale or swallowed, and they can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, the irritation leads to scar tissue that can cause tumors. Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most common mesothelioma form, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is important to see your doctor when any of these symptoms are present. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma might not be contagious but family members of asbestos-related exposure are more likely to developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed. Then, they can become trapped in the lining 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 it or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they wash their clothes. Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases, it is important to see a physician if you have symptoms that could be linked to the disease. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests can 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 is diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Buffalo asbestos attorneys will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced. The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even though there isn't a cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll send it to you at no cost, without obligation. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is on hand to answer any questions you may have. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We're committed to helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.