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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miner shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that protect various organs within the body, referred to as the mesothelium. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only reason that has been identified for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it was affordable and fire-proof. It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure. The initial signs of mesothelioma typically resemble those of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms could be observed, including weight loss and fatigue. There are four types of mesothelioma and each type has distinct prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However, all types are characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs. When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample taken from the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is discovered, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10% of mesothelioma cases and has a poorer prognosis. Anyone who has been in contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma history are among the groups. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms Mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside including the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent mesothelioma. It affects the lining in the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time, cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and breathing problems. Other symptoms include nausea and fatigue. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years to begin showing symptoms. It is often mistaken for other diseases like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Typically doctors don't connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct a physical exam. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other diseases. In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine what mesothelioma type is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or 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. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties. For many years, it was used in a variety of American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos. Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to build up, leading to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs. This is the most common mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive problems. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other ailments. It is crucial to see your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests could include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there is any changes in your body that may be caused by mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may not be contagious but family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and. They could then breathe in the asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure that is secondhand. Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors. Exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have worked with asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing it or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members may inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes. Although mesothelioma can be found in a small percentage of cases It is still important to see a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be related to the condition. These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will inquire about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct an X-ray chest scan and a physical examination to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. duluth asbestos attorney may include chemo, surgery or radiation. Treatment options will vary based on the type of mesothelioma and how far along it has advanced. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of surviving. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatments available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. 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 regarding filing a lawsuit against mesothelioma. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.