Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of organs internal to them The primary 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 workers are at risk the most of exposure What is Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the protective linings that protect various organs in the body known as the mesothelium The most common malignant mesothelioma can be found in the lungs as well as the abdomen It may also grow in the linings of the heart or in the testes pericardium Each year, mesothelioma gets 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, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant It was used to construct houses, buildings, ships, airplanes and automobiles Workers who handled the material could have been exposed Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma for a long time after exposure It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma since the initial symptoms are similar to other lung cancer The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may develop There are four distinct types of mesothelioma Each kind has a different prognosis The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity pleura Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal pericardial testicular and the peritoneal Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are characterized by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and disrupts their function If doctors suspect mesothelioma they will request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells A sample of the affected area is examined with microscope If cancer is detected and the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70 to 80 all mesothelioma and is more susceptible Sarcomatoid mesothelioma represents only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma Certain groups are more at risk of developing the disease than others The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among the groups In addition, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma The symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which line and protect internal organs This includes the lung pleura as well as the abdomen peritoneum, and the peritoneum Exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma It affects the lining of the lung Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium As time passes cells become damaged and genetic changes result in them becoming malignant Tumors can develop The symptoms of mesothelioma are diverse and can include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing 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 year to show its first symptoms Often, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as the flu or pneumonia Mesothelioma is not easy to identify because it is not common and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until late-stage mesothelioma The doctor will ask about the patient's previous asbestos exposure and conduct an examination Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses In addition to a physical examination the doctor may also recommend imaging scans or blood tests of the chest and abdomen Imaging tests could include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays A biopsy can be requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the mesothelioma type is present The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure In an examination, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival The biphasic type is a mix of the two kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40 of all mesothelioma diagnosis Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs pleura but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining peritoneum or the heart's lining pericardium About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year It is the sole known cancer caused by asbestos Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties For many years, it was used in a variety of American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen automobiles, ships, buildings and other items Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that can cause serious health problems These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to mesothelium As time passes irritation causes scar tissue to accumulate, leading to tumors Different types of mesothelioma can affect various parts of the body The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, and it can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or discomfort Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues It can also affect the lining of the heart which can cause unusual symptoms like chest pain or palpitations Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments It is essential to see your doctor when any of these symptoms occur Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners These tests can help doctors see if any mesothelioma-related changes are forming within your body Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of those exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing the disease Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin These individuals could inhale asbestos fibers Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of secondhand asbestos exposure Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, like other cancers begins when cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably They also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors masses to form The exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor Asbestos is a fibrous material that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s When exposed, the tiny fibres can be inhaled and consumed https//vimeocom/704896097 can then become lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma People who worked with asbestos and were responsible for removing or handling it in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma However blue-collar workers and relatives of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk Workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothes Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they clean their clothes Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is important to consult a doctor when you experience symptoms that could be linked to the disease Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a recurring cold are all signs The doctor will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos They'll also conduct physical examination and a chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma Other tests include a computed-tomography CT scan or positron emission tomography PET or magnetic resonance imaging MRI If mesothelioma is diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about treatment options These may include surgery, chemo or radiation The mesothelioma type and the far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available Although there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this condition and the available treatments We'll send it to you at no charge, no commitment You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906 You can ask an experienced nurse any questions You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve