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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect various organs within the body known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct automobiles, homes, and structures. Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure. It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like fatigue and weight loss, could develop. There are four different types of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. kalamazoo asbestos lawyer has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that is located around vital organs. When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of mesothelioma, and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis. Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those with a family history of mesothelioma. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma develops in the tissue that line and protect internal organs including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged, and the genetic changes that occur cause the cells to become malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years to show its first symptoms. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is a rare condition and the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the late stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Doctors can use imaging scans to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses. The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the abdomen or chest. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure. In the procedure, doctors take out mesothelium in small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the former two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatment and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a combination of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure. Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to mesothelium. In time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could result in tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent and affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma, and it can cause symptoms like breathing difficulty or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform an examination and request imaging tests to look for abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming within your body. Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of those exposed to asbestos are more likely to developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers mesothelioma develops when cells in the body develop abnormalities and begin to expand uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to develop. Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a fibrous material employed in construction, and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed. Then, they can become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Family members can inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes. Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to consult a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your health history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests 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 has been diagnosed. These could include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has advanced will determine what treatments are available. Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can increase the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about this disease and the available treatments. We'll deliver it to you free of cost, with no obligation. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation regarding the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.