Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations before it was banned 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 is found in the linings that cover various organs within the body called the mesothelium Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs and abdomen It may also grow in the linings of the heart or testes pericardium A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause Asbestos is a fibrous substance that was once popular in American industries due to its affordable and fire-proof It was used to construct homes, buildings and automobiles People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials Exposure to these substances may result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other lung cancer The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, including weight loss and fatigue could develop There are four different types of mesothelioma Each kind has a different prognosis The most common form is pleural It affects linings of the lungs pleura and the chest cavity 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 covers vital organs and disrupts their function When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they will order a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70 to 80 mesothelioma, and is more susceptible Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among the groups Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect internal organs, including the lungs pleura and abdomen peritoneum The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma type It affects the lining of the lungs Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant Tumors form The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue weight loss, and difficulty swallowing Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs Often, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia Mesothelioma is often difficult to identify because it is rare, and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma The doctor will inquire about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct an examination Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses The physician may also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small pieces of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma cells The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid with the two types forming the majority of diagnoses The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter lifespan The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a much better prognosis The biphasic type is a combination of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40 of all mesothelioma diagnoses Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos It takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties For many years it was utilized in a variety of American industries because it is affordable and fire-resistant The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and protect vehicles, ships, buildings and other items Those who worked in the construction industry were most at risk of being exposed to asbestos Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health issues The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium In time the irritation causes scar tissue to grow which can lead to tumors Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence and affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues It can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other illnesses and other illnesses, it is essential to see your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms Your doctor will perform an examination and order imaging tests to check for any abnormalities These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming in your body Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, just like other cancers, is a result of cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably https//vimeocom/704889800 can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, leading to tumors masses to form The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos 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 fibres can be inhaled and ingested Then, they can become stuck in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing Family members could breathe in asbestos fibers as they clean their clothes While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this disease Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all symptoms The doctor will inquire about your medical background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos They'll also perform a physical exam and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma Other tests could include 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 This could include surgery, chemo or radiation The type of mesothelioma and how it has advanced will determine what treatments are available The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there isn't a cure Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the treatment options available We'll deliver it to you at no charge, no obligation You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906 You can speak to nurses any questions You can also contact an attorney for a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit We're committed to helping you and your family members receive the justice you deserve