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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer that affects the lining of organs within. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. Asbestos was a fire- and heat resistant mineral fiber that was used in many occupations before it was banned in the year 1970. Construction workers, miner, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at the greatest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the linings that protect different organs of the body, referred to as the mesothelium. Most often, malignant mesothelioma is found in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. However, it also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. Each year, mesothelioma gets diagnosed in a few thousand Americans. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was once a popular choice in American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. It was employed in the construction of homes, buildings as well as ships, aircrafts, and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials could cause mesothelioma to develop for decades after the exposure. It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other illnesses like lung cancer. These early symptoms can include difficulty breathing and chest pain as well as a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may appear. There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a unique prognosis. The most common form is pleural, which affects linings of the lungs (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized with an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request a biopsy to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is discovered the patient can be diagnosed with either epithelioid or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid Mesothelioma is responsible for 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma and is more susceptible. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, accounts for only 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses and has a poorer prognosis than epithelioid mesothelioma. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at chance of developing mesothelioma than others. These include those who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related family history. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that line and protect internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The risk of developing mesothelioma increases when asbestos is exposed during work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium and over time, cells become damaged. The genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and form tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins to show its first symptoms. It is often mistaken for other illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to other diseases. Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma with asbestos exposure until the mesothelioma is at a late stage. At Bridgeport asbestos lawsuits will generally ask the patient about his or her past exposure to asbestos, and perform a physical examination. Doctors can use imaging scans to help diagnose mesothelioma and rule out other illnesses. In addition to a physical examination, the physician may recommend blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy is often requested by the doctor to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine the kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. In the procedure, doctors take out small amounts of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells could be epithelioid or sarcomatoid or biphasic, with the two types making up the majority of diagnoses. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and tends to have shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid is more responsive to treatments and has a better prognosis. The biphasic type is a combination of the first two types and accounts for 30% to 40% of mesothelioma diagnoses. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma typically occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. It may also be present 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. It usually takes 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. The asbestos industry was especially lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof vehicles, ships, buildings and other products. Workers in the construction industry were most susceptible to exposure to asbestos. Workers who dealt with asbestos or removed it were exposed to fibers that are sharp and may cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhaled or swallowed and can irritate the mesothelium. In time irritation can lead to scar tissue that can cause tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma is one that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as the lung. It is the most common mesothelioma form and can cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity which can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, or digestive issues. It can also affect linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Since mesothelioma is often misinterpreted as other illnesses, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any symptoms or signs. Your doctor will perform physical examinations and may conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that may be connected to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when the cells of the body develop abnormalities and begin to grow out of control. They may also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous material that was used in construction, as well as other industries, before it was banned in the 1970s. When exposed, the microscopic fibres can be inhaled and consumed. They may then get lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma. The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, while family members could inhale asbestos fibers while cleaning the clothing. Even though mesothelioma may be rare, it's essential to seek out a physician if your symptoms are related to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will ask about your medical history and when you might have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you in case mesothelioma has been identified. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced will determine which treatments are available. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also call us at 1-888-314-6906. You can speak to an experienced nurse any questions. You can also reach an attorney for a no-cost consultation regarding filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the compensation they deserve.