Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in a variety of jobs before it was banned in the year 1970 Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at greatest risk of exposure What is Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, grows in the protective linings that cover various organs in the body known as the mesothelium Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen However, it also can be found in the lining of the heart pericardium or in the testes Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 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 is affordable and fire-proof It was used in the construction of houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles Workers who handled, removed or cut the material could have been exposed Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma for years after exposure It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer Early symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as a persistent cough As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms may develop, such as weight loss and fatigue There are four kinds of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis The most common form is pleural, which affects the lung linings pleura and the chest cavity Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal pericardial testicular and the peritoneal Each has distinct symptoms However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that surrounds the vital organs If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under microscope If cancer is detected, patients can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 80percent of 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 exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma Certain groups are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma than others Workers in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma history are among these groups In addition, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma The symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs in the internal such as the lungs pleura and abdomen peritoneum Exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma type It affects the lining in the lungs Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant Tumors can develop The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea Weight loss can also be a sign Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs The symptoms are often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu Mesothelioma is extremely difficult to identify, as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other diseases Typically doctors do not link mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the late stages of mesothelioma At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination Imaging scans can be used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases In addition to a physical examination 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 The doctor may also order a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient has The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure During the biopsy, doctors take small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell The mesothelioma cells could be either epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter lives The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40 of mesothelioma diagnosis Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is usually found in the lining of the lungs pleura but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining peritoneum or the lining of the heart pericardium About 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year It is the only cancer caused by asbestos Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties For many years it was employed in a variety of American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other products Construction workers were the most at risk of asbestos exposure Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues https//vimeocom/704933805 can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lungs This is the most frequent mesothelioma that may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or discomfort Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling or digestive problems It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body Although mesothelioma does not transmit however, relatives of those exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing hair, skin, and The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure secondhand Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s When exposed, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or consumed They can then become lodged in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have been exposed to asbestos This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it However, blue-collar workers and even family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk Workers may carry asbestos fibers in their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing Although mesothelioma is rare, it is important to see a physician when you experience symptoms that may be related to the condition Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all indications The doctor will ask about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos They'll also conduct a physical exam and a chest X-ray to look for signs of mesothelioma Other tests include the computed-tomography scan CT, positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging If mesothelioma has been diagnosed your doctor will discuss with you about treatment options These might include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation The type of mesothelioma and how far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though 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 free of cost, without commitment You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906 You can also ask a nurse any questions A lawyer can be contacted for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma We're committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve