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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Malignant mesothelioma can affect the linings of internal organs. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a heat- and fire resistant mineral fiber that was utilized in a variety of occupations prior to its ban in the year 1970. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers, and veteran employees are at risk the most of exposure. What is Mesothelioma? The mesothelium acts as a protective lining that covers various 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 gets diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans. Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous, brittle material that was once popular in American industries due to its inexpensive and fireproof. It was used to construct houses, buildings aircrafts, ships, ships and automobiles. Workers on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these chemicals could result in mesothelioma a few decades after exposure. The initial signs of mesothelioma are usually similar to those of other diseases such as lung cancer, making it difficult to diagnose. Early symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain as well as an ongoing cough. As the disease progresses more serious symptoms, like weight loss and fatigue, may appear. There are four distinct types of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most prevalent type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each has distinct symptoms. However each type is characterized by an inflamed malignant tumour that encircles vital organs. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they will order a biopsies to look for cancerous cells. A sample of the affected area is examined using a microscopy. If cancer is detected the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 70 percent to 88% of mesothelioma patients and is more responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is only 10 percent of mesothelioma patients and has a lower prognosis. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing mesothelioma. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than others. Workers in asbestos or military environments, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma-related history are among these groups. Also, those who have had asbestos-related radiation therapy are at a higher risk of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line the internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The exposure to asbestos in the workplace increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes make them malignant. Tumors form. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, but they typically include coughing, chest pain, and breathing problems. Other symptoms include fatigue and nausea. Weight loss is another symptom. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 years for the first signs to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are mistaken for other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because it is not common and its symptoms are similar to other diseases. Typically, doctors do not connect mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until the patient has reached the end-stages of mesothelioma. At this point the doctor will generally inquire about the patient's or her previous exposure to asbestos and then perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, and rule out other illnesses. In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests can include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. Spokane Valley asbestos lawyer could also recommend an examination to confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the kind of mesothelioma that patient is suffering from. The biopsy may be an exploratory procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. During the biopsy, doctors take small samples of mesothelium tissue and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma cases are epithelioid. The sarcomatoid type is less responsive to treatments and has a shorter life. The epithelioid type is more tolerant to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic type is a mix of the two primary types and accounts between 30% and 40% of all diagnoses of mesothelioma. Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. It can also be found in the linings of the heart or the pericardium. Around three thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. It is the only cancer recognized 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 resist heat. It was used for decades in a variety of American industries due to its low price and resistance to fire. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof 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 can cause serious health issues. These fibers can be easily be swallowed or inhaled and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes scar tissue that can result in tumors. Different mesothelioma types affect different areas of the body. The most common mesothelioma is one that affects the lining in the chest cavity and lung. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma may also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the linings of the heart, causing unique symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. Mesothelioma symptoms are often confused with other illnesses. It is crucial to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may conduct imaging tests to check for abnormalities. These tests include CT scans MRIs and PET scanners. These tests can help doctors determine if mesothelioma-related changes are evident within your body. Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease but family members of asbestos-related exposure have a higher chance of developing the disease. This is because workers who were exposed to asbestos frequently brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair. They could breathe asbestos fibers. This kind of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure. Treatment for Mesothelioma Like other cancers, mesothelioma begins when cells within the body begin to grow abnormal and begin to grow uncontrollably. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors (masses) to form. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is fibrous that was widely used in construction and other industries before being banned in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested. They can then become lodged within the linings of certain organs, causing mesothelioma. Workers who were exposed to asbestos, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling and handling it, are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even the family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers could carry asbestos fibers home on their clothing, while family members could inhale them when they clean the clothes. While mesothelioma can be rare, it's essential to see a doctor to determine if your symptoms are connected to this disease. Chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cold are all indications. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. They'll also conduct physical examination and chest X-ray to check for signs of mesothelioma. Other tests include a computed-tomography scan (CT), positron emission tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you if mesothelioma is diagnosed. These could include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The mesothelioma type and how it has advanced will determine which treatments are available. While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chance of survival. Download your free Mesothelioma guide to know more about the disease and the available treatments. No obligation, we'll send it to you at no cost. You can also contact us by calling us at 1-888-3146906. You can ask a nurse any questions. You can also contact a lawyer for a free consultation about filing a mesothelioma suit. We are committed in helping you and your loved ones receive the justice they deserve.