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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It may also grow 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 cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was used to construct structures, homes aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos as workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure. It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, could develop. There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs. If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70% to 80% mesothelioma, and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis. Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with a family history of mesothelioma. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lung. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes cells are damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to show its first symptoms. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases. The doctor might 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 might also request an examination to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a much better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma development after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with properties that resist heat. For a long time it was employed in a variety of American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos. Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health problems. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can result in tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different areas of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and can trigger symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are present in your body. Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to form. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They may then get lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members may inhale them when they clean the clothing. Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that may be related to the condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cold are all symptoms. The doctor will ask you about your medical history, and ask if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination to check for mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT) or positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about the treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced. While there is no cure for mesothelioma but the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get nampa asbestos law firm to learn more about this condition and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you at no cost. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask a nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones get the amount of compensation they deserve.