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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 primary risk factor. Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers, shipyard, factory, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium is a liner that protects the organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in the lungs and abdomen. It can also form in the linings of the heart or in the testes (pericardium). Each year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. The only cause that is known 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 houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers who handled the material could have been exposed. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure. The first symptoms of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other illnesses such as lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. The initial signs include chest pain, trouble breathing and a persistent cough. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, such as weight loss and fatigue. There are four kinds of mesothelioma. Each type has a different prognosis. The most common kind is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has unique symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumor that encircles vital organs. When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under microscope. If cancer is found, the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is responsible for just 10% of 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 risk of being diagnosed with the disease than other. Workers in asbestos and military veterans and those with mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. People who have had radiation therapy related to asbestos are also at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues that protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the cells get damaged, and the genetic changes that happen result in the cells becoming malignant and grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ, but common ones are coughing, chest pain and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is also a symptom. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a rare cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years before it begins before it shows its first signs. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other diseases. Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma to asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. The doctor will ask about the patient's past asbestos exposure and perform a physical exam. Imaging scans can be utilized by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma or determine if there are other diseases. In addition to a physical exam the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the chest and abdomen. Imaging tests may include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans or X-rays. The doctor might also request a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the kind of mesothelioma the patient has. The biopsy can be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. In a biopsy, doctors remove small amounts of mesothelium and look for mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell 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 time to live. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatment and has a better chance of survival. The biphasic type is a mix of the two types and is responsible for between 30 and 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also occur in the linings of the heart or pericardium. About three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is the only cancer that has been proven to be caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has properties that resist heat. It was used for decades in many American industries because of its low cost and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was especially profitable for the construction industry in which it was utilized as a fireproofing and insulation material in buildings, ships cars 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 which can cause serious health issues. These fibers are easily swallowed and inhaled and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, the irritation causes scar tissue to grow and can cause tumors. Different types of mesothelioma affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence that affects the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most frequent type of mesothelioma and can cause symptoms like breathing problems or discomfort. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity's lining, causing symptoms like swelling, pain, or digestive issues. hartford asbestos law firm can also affect the heart's lining and cause unique symptoms like chest pain or palpitations. Because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases so it is crucial to consult your doctor if you exhibit any signs or symptoms. Your doctor will conduct an examination and physical exam. They may also order imaging scans to look for any abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if there are changes in your body that could be caused by mesothelioma. Mesothelioma might not be contagious but relatives of asbestos-related exposure have a higher risk of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed to asbestos brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos-related exposure could cause breathing problems for those who breathed asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to 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 can also reproduce and spread to other areas of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in construction and other industries before it was banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed, the tiny fibers may be inhaled or ingested. They can then be encased in the linings of certain organs and cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes those who are responsible for removing or handling it. Blue-collar workers, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could bring asbestos fibers back to their homes on their clothes. Family members may inhale these fibers when they clean their clothes. While mesothelioma can be uncommon, it's vital to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this condition. Chest pain, difficulty breathing or a persistent cold are all signs. The doctor will inquire about your medical history, and ask if you've ever been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct a physical exam and chest X-ray to determine if you have mesothelioma. Other tests could include a computed-tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include chemo, surgery or radiation. The treatment options will be based on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced. Although there isn't a cure for mesothelioma, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to find out more about this disease and the treatment options available. There is no obligation, we'll mail it to you for free. You can also reach us by dialing 1-888-3146906. A nurse will be available to answer any questions you may have. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed to helping you and your family receive the amount of compensation you deserve.