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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. 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 shipyard workers, factory employees and veterans are at highest danger of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs and 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 each year. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was once a favored 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 the material could have been exposed. oklahoma city asbestos lawsuit to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after exposure. It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing problems, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms could emerge, like fatigue and weight loss. There are four kinds of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and disrupts their function. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under a microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 80percent of mesothelioma cases, and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a worse prognosis. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These groups include people 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 a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms Mesothelioma is found in the tissues which line and protect internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium, and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. Often, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her past exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases. In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine the mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors take tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has shorter lives. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a higher chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was utilized for a long time in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulating material in ships, buildings automobiles, and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes, 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 that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pains or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other diseases. It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are evident in your body. Although mesothelioma isn't contagious the family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is due to the fact that those who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body become abnormal and begin to expand uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors. Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They can then become stuck in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to 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 home on their clothing, and family members could inhale them when they clean the clothes. Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that may be related to the condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examination and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced. The right treatment can improve the chances of survival, even if there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available. We'll ship it to you at no cost, with no commitment. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can also ask nurses any questions. A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family get the amount of compensation you deserve.