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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma afflicts the linings of internal organs. The most significant risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of jobs until it was banned in the 1970s. Miners, construction workers as well as shipyard and factory workers and veterans are at most risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium acts as a liner that protects the organs of the body. Most commonly, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or 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 was once a popular fibrous material in American industries because of its low cost and fire resistance. It was used to build cars, homes, and buildings. Workers who handled the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these materials could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure. It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma due to the fact that the first signs are similar to those of other illnesses like lung cancer. The initial symptoms may include difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, such as weight loss and fatigue, may develop. There are four types of mesothelioma. Each type has distinct prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that is located around vital organs. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A tissue sample from the affected area is examined with a microscopy. If cancer is detected patients are diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cancer accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis. Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at the risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those with a history of mesothelioma are among the groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma. Signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line and protect the internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells are damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, but include chest pain, coughing and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss can also be a sign. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Doctors typically do not connect mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's prior asbestos exposure and perform an examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses. The doctor might also recommend blood tests and imaging scans for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests could include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy may be ordered by a physician to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and is responsible for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also occur in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or the heart's lining (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in a few thousand people. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. It typically takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that are heat-resistant. For a long time, 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, as it was employed to insulate and strengthen vehicles, ships, buildings and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of being exposed to asbestos. Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health problems. These fibers can be easily inhaled and swallowed, and can irritate mesothelium. As time passes irritation can lead to scar tissue, which can lead to tumors. Different types of mesothelioma can affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that can cause symptoms like breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like pain, swelling or digestive issues. It can also affect the lining of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken with other illnesses. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also request imaging scans to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can assist doctors determine if there are changes within your body that could be caused by mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease however, family members of asbestos-related patients are more likely to developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes hair, skin and hair. They could then breathe in asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is known as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They may also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, leading to tumors (masses) to form. The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the tiny fibers can be inhaled and consumed. edinburg asbestos attorneys may then get lodged in the linings of specific organs and cause mesothelioma. Workers who were exposed to asbestos particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers may bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members can inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes. Although mesothelioma is rare, it's important to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this condition. This includes chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you have ever 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 a computed-tomography (CT) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. 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 boost the odds of survival even though there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this disease and the treatments available. No obligation, we'll send it to you for free. You can also reach us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. A nurse is available to answer your questions. 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 family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.