Mesothelioma and Asbestos ExposureMalignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor.Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miner shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure.What is Mesothelioma?The mesothelium is the liner that protects the organs in the body. Most often, malignant mesothelioma develops in the lung (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Exposure to asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos was a once-popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these substances can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may be observed, including weight loss and fatigue.There are four types of mesothelioma, and each type has an individual prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs.When doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to determine if cancerous cells are present. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined under a microscopy. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid sarcomatoid mesotheliom. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% mesothelioma in all cases and is more sensitive. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, certain groups have a greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease than other. People who work in asbestos and military veterans and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. Also, those who have received asbestos-related radiation therapy are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.The symptoms of MesotheliomaMesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that line and protect organs inside such as the lung (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs.Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer it can take anywhere between 10 to 60 year before it shows its first signs. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses.Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient is in the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine if there are other diseases.In addition to a physical exam the doctor may also recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine what type of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure.In a biopsy, doctors remove mesothelium from small amounts and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid form is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter lifespan. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two kinds and accounts for between 30 and 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses.Causes of MesotheliomaMesothelioma is usually found in the lung's lining (pleura) but it can also develop in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer that typically takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure.Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is heat-resistant, has properties. It was extensively used in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly profitable for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other products. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos.Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. The fibers can be inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. Over time irritation can lead to scar tissue that can lead to tumors.Different types of mesothelioma may affect different parts of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lung. It is the most common mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing distinctive symptoms like chest pains or palpitations.Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other diseases. It is important to see your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will do a physical examination and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests can include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be connected to mesothelioma.Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is because those who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.Treatment for MesotheliomaMesothelioma, like other cancers begins when cells in the human body begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors to form.The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry and other fields before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of specific organs, causing mesothelioma.People who worked with asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling in the workplace, have the highest chance of developing mesothelioma. However, blue-collar workers and even family members of those who worked with asbestos are also at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back home on their clothes. Family members may inhale asbestos fibers when they wash their clothes.While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to see a doctor in case your symptoms are linked to this condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. They will also perform physical examination and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).If mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options. These may include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine what treatments are available.Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the right treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to find out more about the disease and the treatment options available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. A lawyer can be reached for a free consultation about the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.