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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have had previous exposure to asbestos are at risk of developing various types of cancer such as mesothelioma. These cancers have a latency period of many decades, which means that symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure.

The risk of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma declines with time since first exposure. Evidence is based upon two residential and six occupational cohort studies with long-term follow-up.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma refers to cancer of the internal organs' lining, including the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It's a rare, aggressive disease that typically begins in the lining of the chest cavity, but it could be found in the lining of the stomach or in other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and the cancer usually doesn't show up until decades after the initial exposure.

People who are exposed to asbestos while at work are at higher chances of developing the disease than others. Asbestos fibres can be inhaled or swallowed and stick to the organ lining. The fibers can cause irritation to the lining and cause abnormal cells to grow, forming tumors. The symptoms usually do not show until a person has developed advanced mesothelioma.

Exposure to asbestos most often occurs in industrial jobs where workers handled the material or worked in proximity to it. Asbestos was utilized in construction, shipbuilding auto repair, shipbuilding and other trades. Veterans who were in the military are at a higher risk for mesothelioma, as asbestos was used extensively on ships and bases.

Anyone with an history of exposure to asbestos case should be screened regularly and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may conduct imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scans to detect tumors and determine whether they've developed. They may also ask about the patient's past history of exposure to asbestos and conduct a physical examination. Some cases of mesothelioma are associated with genetic changes, so some patients may benefit from genetic tests.

Risk Factors

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a mineral made up of fibers, is impervious to heat and strong. Asbestos is utilized in a variety of construction and manufacturing products including insulation, brakes, and shingles. When asbestos is disturbed, it produces dust that can be swallowed or inhaled. As time passes, this could lead to irritation of the mesothelium, which could eventually lead to mesothelioma.

People who have had a history of occupational asbestos exposure are at the most risk of mesothelioma. This includes those who have worked in industries such as mining, shipbuilding and construction as well as in auto repair. Veterans of the military are also at high risk, since a number of branches of the military used asbestos-based materials.

Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma is a family history of asbestos exposure as well as prior radiation therapy to the chest. Furthermore the type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed has an impact on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form and typically affects the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, and peritoneal.

In general, the risk of mesothelioma increases with the third to fourth power of latency, which is how long it takes for someone to be diagnosed. However, the rate of pleural mesothelioma shows a slight flattening about 40 years after exposure. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma both have this pattern as well. People who have a para-occupational exposure to asbestos, such as living close to an asbestos plant or consuming contaminated household products are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. One study of six cities found that those with this type of exposure were at a higher mesothelioma danger than those who had only occupational exposure.

Symptoms

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the tissue linings surrounding internal organs. It is most often found in the lung lining (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also occur in the lining around the testicles or the heart. It is a rare form of cancer and the majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma worked in jobs that required exposure to asbestos. It can take a long time for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest, and the disease is not curable.

Asbestos is made up of a group minerals that have microscopic fibers and are impervious to heat, chemicals and fire. It was previously widely employed in shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and many other industries. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma due to the fibers getting stuck in tissues that line organs and protect them, causing irritation and damaging cells. This can cause tumors to expand and eventually develop into cancerous.

The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It may also start in the lining of the testicles or the heart, or the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also spread to lymph nodes, which causes swelling of the lymph nodes.

The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have an extensive history of exposure to asbestos and are suffering from other diseases such as chronic lung disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other conditions, so it is important to see a doctor if you observe any persisting or alarming signs and symptoms. Doctors can inquire about asbestos case exposure in the past and conduct a physical exam. They can also request scans of your blood and imaging of your chest or abdomen. These can identify any thickening of the lining of your lungs or fluid in the space between your lungs and the chest wall.

Diagnosis

When asbestos fibers become stuck to the body, they can cause damage and may eventually turn into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related cancers can develop in different organs or tissues. Each type of cancer is diagnosed with a different test. Mesothelioma forms in the lining of the chest cavity and lungs (pleura), the stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the reproductive organs and the heart.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for a patient to speak with their doctor about their experience with asbestos exposure and what symptoms they have been experiencing. Doctors will also conduct a physical exam and may order tests of a basic nature like blood tests to determine how well the lungs function.

X-rays and CT scans can help doctors get a clearer picture of the affected area. In some cases doctors will perform the pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma, or another disease is causing fluid accumulation in the lung. The pleural effusion could be a sign of pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma or a rarer type of mesothelioma called biphasic or mixed mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed due to the symptoms resemble other diseases and conditions. The most commonly reported symptoms include difficulty breathing and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma is also a cause of a cough, chest tightness and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause abdominal discomfort swelling and distension. Testicular mesothelioma could manifest as a swollen or itchy lump in the testicles.

Researchers are studying specific blood proteins in hopes of developing methods to detect mesothelioma before it becomes a problem. They are also researching several other tests and procedures that could improve diagnostic accuracy, including mesothelioma scans and MRIs. They are also researching genetic mutations and how to determine if a person is at risk for mesothelioma by examining their family history.

Treatment

asbestos lawyer exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma. People who have been exposed to asbestos, particularly in high-risk jobs such as construction, electrical work or shipbuilding, auto repairs, and military service, are at an increased risk.

Exposure to asbestos triggers mesothelioma as fibers become stuck in the tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The mesothelium is irritated by the asbestos fibers and cause DNA damage that can lead to cancerous cells. Mesothelioma symptoms generally are not evident until years after exposure.

Symptoms differ depending on the type of mesothelioma as well as the place it develops within the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can also be found in the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (testicular mesothelioma).

Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is categorized as stage I through IV, with stage I and II being the earliest stages and most manageable. Stage III and IV are the more advanced stages of cancer and more difficult to treat, however there are still many treatment options available.

Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of cancer and affects the lung lining, chest wall and abdomen. In most cases of pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure was a result of the workplace. Most likely asbestos was inhaled via airborne particles or ingested through food items.

Other risk factors include a family history of mesothelioma, genetic mutations and previous radiation therapy for another condition. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have mesothelioma symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor. You could also benefit from genetic counseling. In some cases, a mesothelioma specialist can help you file an action against companies that have knowingly used asbestos in their everyday products.