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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory and veteran workers are at the greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs in the body. Most often, mesothelioma maligna develops in the lung (pleura) 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 annually. Exposure to asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could lead to mesothelioma many decades after exposure. The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, may develop. There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has distinct prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. peoria asbestos lawsuit has distinct symptoms. However they all are identified by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs. If doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a poorer prognosis. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of developing the disease than others. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos at work increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma. This 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 develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and difficulty 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 signs to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases. Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure, and then perform an examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other diseases. 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 a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types accounting for the majority of diagnoses. The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mix of the two types and is responsible for between 30% and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer recognized to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that resist heat. For many years, it was used in many American industries due to its inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative in the construction industry, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships automobiles, and other products. People who worked in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue to build up and can cause tumors. Different types of mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is most common, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident in your body. Although mesothelioma isn't contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater chance of developing the disease. People who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors. Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres are ingested and inhaled. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos-related workers are also 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's important to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a recurring cold are all indications. The doctor will inquire about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform an X-ray of the chest and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options. This could include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced. Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. You can speak to a nurse any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are dedicated to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.