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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Construction workers, miners as well as shipyard and factory workers, and veterans are at most risk of being exposed. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the various organs of the body. The most common malignant mesothelioma can be located in the lungs and abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or 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 favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low price and fire resistance. It was used to construct homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material may have been exposed. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure. The first symptoms of mesothelioma usually resemble those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. Early symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can be observed, including fatigue and weight loss. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects lung linings (pleura) and chest cavity. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial or testicular. Each kind has its own distinct symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and interferes with their function. If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request an examination of the biopsy site to determine the presence of cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined under microscope. If cancer is detected, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% all mesothelioma and is more responsive. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the contrary, accounts for only 10% of mesothelioma-related diagnoses and has a lower prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, military veterans and those who have mesothelioma in their family. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos at work increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors form. 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 difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to show. It is often misinterpreted as other illnesses like pneumonia or the flu. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other diseases. Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the mesothelioma's final stages. At this stage, the doctor will usually inquire about the patient's or her prior exposure to asbestos and then perform an examination. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses. In addition to a physical exam, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. The imaging tests could include CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or X-rays. The doctor could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine what kind of mesothelioma that patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally invasive procedure. During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove tiny pieces of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma cells. The mesothelioma cell can be epithelioid or biphasic or sarcomatoid with the first two types forming the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid variant is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter time to live. The epithelioid type is more receptive to treatment and has a better prognosis. The biphasic variant is a mixture of the two first types and is responsible for between 30% and 40 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer known to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with properties that are heat-resistant. For many years, it was used in many American industries because it was inexpensive and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction sector, where it was used for fireproofing and as an insulation material in ship construction, buildings cars and many other products. Construction workers were at the greatest risk of being exposed to asbestos. Workers who handled or removed asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers that could cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes scar tissue, which can result in tumors. Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma affects the lining in the chest cavity and the lung. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can cause symptoms like breathing difficulties or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma can be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to visit your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will do an examination of your body and may require imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body. Although mesothelioma is not contagious, family members of those who were exposed to asbestos are at greater risk for developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes hair, skin, and. These individuals could then inhale asbestos fibers. Secondary asbestos exposure is the term used to describe this kind of asbestos exposure that is secondhand. Treatment for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma, like other cancers starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing the formation of tumors. Asbestos exposure is the most significant risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a mineral that was fibrous that was used in construction, as well as other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. They may then get trapped in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. The asbestos-related workers and 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 carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members may breathe asbestos fibers when cleaning their clothes. Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. They may include chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask you about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. The doctor may also perform a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests include the computed-tomography scan (CT), positron-emission tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. If mesothelioma is found to be a cancerous tumor the doctor will speak with you about possible treatment options. This could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced. The right treatment can boost the chance of survival, even though there is no cure. Get your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about this condition and the treatments available. brownsville asbestos attorneys 'll deliver it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also contact us by calling 1-888-3146906. You can also ask nurses any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.