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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers, shipyard and factory employees, and veterans are at highest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that protect various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used in the construction of structures, homes as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure. It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other diseases such as lung cancer. Early symptoms include breathing problems, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may emerge, like weight loss and fatigue. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, or peritoneal. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. springdale asbestos attorneys is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. Workers in asbestos, veterans of the military and those who have a history of mesothelioma are among these groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. The symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses. In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine which mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. During a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the first two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and tends to have a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma typically occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has properties that resist heat. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it was affordable and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most at risk of being exposed to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health problems. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your physician if you notice any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are any changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of those exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or eaten. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Workers who were exposed to asbestos and were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members may inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothes. While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform a physical exam and chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced. The right treatment can increase the odds of survival even though there isn't a cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, with no commitment. You can also contact us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones get the compensation they deserve.