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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma affects the linings of internal organs. The main risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos was an extremely fire- and heat- resistant mineral fiber that was used in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in 1970. Construction workers, miners, shipyard and factory employees and veterans are at highest risk of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is a protective lining that covers various organs of the body. Malignant mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs as well as the abdomen. It can also develop in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. The only known cause of 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 construct homes, buildings and automobiles. Workers who handled or cut the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can cause mesothelioma for years after the exposure. The first signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases like lung cancer, making it difficult to determine. These early symptoms can include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, like weight loss and fatigue. There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining as well as the chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular and peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, but all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that surrounds vital organs and interferes with their function. When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient is diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma patients and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a poorer prognosis. Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are more likely of being diagnosed with the disease than other. The asbestos-related workers, veterans of the military and those with mesothelioma-related history are among the groups. People who have had asbestos-related radiation treatment are also at risk of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma is found in the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lung (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung. Asbestos fibers irritate mesothelium. As time passes, cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors can develop. The symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include nausea, fatigue and weight loss as well as difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to show. Symptoms are often mistaken for other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose because it is a rare condition and its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this stage, the doctor will usually ask the patient about his or her previous exposure to asbestos, and perform an examination. Imaging scans are a method used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses. The doctor might also recommend scans for blood and imaging for the chest or abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans or MRIs as well as PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the type of mesothelioma a patient is suffering from. The biopsy could be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy procedure, doctors will remove small samples of mesothelium tissue and look for mesothelioma-like cells. The majority of mesothelioma diagnosis are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatment and has a shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic form is a mix of the two primary types and is responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of all diagnoses of mesothelioma. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) but 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. Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop following asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties. It was extensively used in many American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry where it was employed for fireproofing and as an insulation material in buildings, ships cars and other items. Construction workers were the most at risk of exposure to asbestos. Workers who worked with asbestos were exposed to sharp fibers which can cause serious health issues. The fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue that can cause tumors. Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and can trigger symptoms such as breathing difficulties or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdominal cavity and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain or digestive issues. It can also affect the linings of the heart causing unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other diseases. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform an examination of your body and may request imaging scans to check 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. Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothes, hair and skin. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma starts when cells within the body become abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce themselves and spread to other areas of the body causing tumors to form. Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos was a fibrous mineral used in construction, among other industries, prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or consumed. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. The asbestos-related workers particularly those who were responsible for removing or handling it, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. However blue-collar workers and relatives of asbestos-related workers are also at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothing. Family members could inhale these fibers when they wash their clothes. While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to see a doctor if your symptoms are related to this condition. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all symptoms. Sunnyvale asbestos lawyers will inquire about your medical history and whether you have ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also perform physical examinations and a chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan or 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 could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how far it has progressed will determine the type of treatment available. The right treatment can increase the chance of survival, even if there is no cure. Download your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and what treatments are available. We'll ship it to you free of cost, without commitment. We can also be reached by calling 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer your questions. A lawyer can be reached to arrange a no-cost consultation on the possibility of filing a suit against mesothelioma. We're committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.