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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at greatest risk of being exposed. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, is found in the linings that cover different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. However, it can also be found in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure. The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties, chest pain and an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, could develop. There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsy to check for the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is discovered patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups are more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. It is often mistaken for other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Doctors usually do not link mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases. The physician may also recommend imaging scans and blood tests for the chest or 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 what kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses 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 chance of survival. The biphasic variant is a combination of the two primary kinds and accounts for between 30% and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Every year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in around 3,000 people. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma growth after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was utilized for a long time in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry where it was employed as a fireproofing and insulation material in ships, buildings cars and other items. People who worked in the construction industry were among those most susceptible to exposure to asbestos. Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue that can result in tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases and other illnesses, it is essential to visit your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will conduct an examination and request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body. Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of secondhand asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. Exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction and other industries prior to its ban in the 1970s. When exposed, Lawrence asbestos lawyers can be inhaled and ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes. Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this disease. Trouble breathing, chest pain or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray chest scan and a physical exam to check for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss the options for treatment with you if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced. The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this disease and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. 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