Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s Miner, construction workers shipyard, factory and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure What is Mesothelioma The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs in the body Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen However, it can also develop in the lining of the heart pericardium or testes Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans The only known cause of this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once popular in American industries because it is cheap and fire-resistant It was used to build homes, buildings and automobiles The people who worked on these projects may have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut or removed the materials Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer These early symptoms can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a persistent cough As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue may develop There are four kinds of mesothelioma Each type has distinct prognosis The most commonly used kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity pleura Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal pericardial, testicular, and the peritoneal Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that encircles vital organs and interferes with their function When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present A sample of the affected area is examined under a microscopy If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with sarcomatoid or epithelioid mesothelio Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70 to 80 mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others The asbestos-related workers or military environments, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line internal organs This includes the lung pleura, abdomen peritoneum, and the peritoneum The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma This affects the lining of the lungs Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium Over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and develop into tumors The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and trouble breathing Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to begin to show Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage At this stage the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos and perform an examination Imaging scans are used by doctors to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the abdomen and chest The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays The doctor could also recommend a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma the patient has The biopsy could be an exploratory surgical procedure or an minimally invasive process During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells https//vimeocom/704887149 is less receptive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival The biphasic variant is a combination of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is typically found in the lung lining pleura but it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen peritoneum or the lining of the heart pericardium About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following exposure to asbestos Asbestos is a mineral found naturally with heat-resistant properties For decades, it was used in a variety of American industries because it was 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 ships, buildings cars and many other products Construction workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium In time the irritation causes scar tissue, which can lead to tumors Different types of mesothelioma can affect various parts of the body The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lungs This is the most frequent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments It is essential to see your doctor if any of these symptoms are present Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may request imaging tests to look for abnormalities These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma-related changes are forming in your body Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but relatives of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing hair, skin, and These individuals could then inhale the asbestos fibers This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, begins when cells in the human body begin to grow uncontrollably They may 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 mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries before it was banned in the 1970s When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed They can then be encased in the linings of specific 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 those who worked with asbestos are also at risk Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothing Family members can inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes Even though mesothelioma may be uncommon, it's vital to seek out a physician to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition These include chest pain, difficulty breathing or an ongoing cough The doctor will inquire about your medical history and if you have ever been exposed to asbestos The doctor will also conduct an X-ray of the chest and a physical examination 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 treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far it has advanced Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the right treatment can increase the chances of survival Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the available treatments We'll send it to you free of cost, with no commitment You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906 A nurse is available to answer your questions You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve