Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs prior to its ban in the year 1970 Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at highest risk of exposure What is Mesothelioma The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs of the body Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma forms in the lung pleura and abdomen It can also develop in the lining of the heart pericardium or testes Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans The exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma causing factor Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries because it was inexpensive and fireproof It was used in the construction of homes, buildings and automobiles Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after exposure The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases like lung cancer, which makes it difficult to identify These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue could develop There are https//vimeocom/704916275 of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis The most commonly used type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity pleura Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal pericardial testicular and peritoneal Each type has its own unique symptoms, but all types are defined by an inflamed, malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and disrupts their function When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under the microscope If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid Epithelioid Mesothelioma accounts for 70 to 80 mesothelioma in all cases and is more responsive Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 of mesothelioma cases and has a worse prognosis Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma Certain groups have a greater chance of developing the disease than others The asbestos-related workers and military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related history are among the groups People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect the internal organs This includes the lung pleura and abdomen peritoneum, and the peritoneum The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when asbestos is exposed at work Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent mesothelioma It affects the lining in the lungs Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium Over time, cells become damaged The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary 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 form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 year to begin showing symptoms Most of the time, the symptoms are confused with other diseases such as pneumonia or the flu Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other illnesses Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage At this point the doctor will generally ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest Imaging tests can include CT scans or MRIs, PET scans or X-rays A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose and to determine which type of mesothelioma is present The biopsy could be an exploratory or minimally-invasive procedure During the biopsy, doctors remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid The Sarcomatoid type is less receptive to treatment and is more likely to have shorter life expectancy The epithelioid kind is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40 of mesothelioma diagnoses Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings as well as the abdomen It can also occur in the linings of the heart or the pericardium About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year It is the only cancer caused by asbestos Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, has heat-resistant properties It was utilized for a long time in many American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry, where it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other items Workers in the construction industry were the most susceptible to exposure to asbestos Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium Over time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and lungs It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues It can also affect the heart's lining, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations Since mesothelioma is often mistaken for other illnesses so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma related changes are evident within your body Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, skin and hair They could breathe asbestos fibers Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this type of asbestos exposure secondhand Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, 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 tumors to develop The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was utilized in the construction industry and other fields before being banned in the 1970s When exposed, the tiny fibers are ingested and inhaled They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who have been exposed to asbestos This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it However blue-collar workers and family members of asbestos-related workers are also at risk Workers may bring asbestos fibers 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 consult a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough The doctor will ask about your health background and when you may have been exposed to asbestos They'll also perform physical examination and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma Other tests include computed-tomography scan CT, positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatment options These might include chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even though there is no cure Get your free Mesothelioma guide to learn more about the disease and the available treatments We'll ship it to you free of cost, without commitment We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906 You can also ask a nurse any questions A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma We are committed to helping you and your family receive the justice you deserve