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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People with previous exposure to asbestos are at risk for different types of cancers such as mesothelioma. These diseases have a latency period of many decades, which means symptoms might not manifest until years after exposure.

The risk of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma declines with time since first exposure. The evidence is drawn from six cohort studies in occupational settings and two residential cohorts with long-term follow-up.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma refers to cancer of the lining of internal organs which include the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare, dangerous disease that typically starts within the lining of the chest cavity. However, it may also affect the lining in the stomach, as well as other parts of your body. Asbestos is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. The cancer usually doesn't show up until decades after exposure.

Those who are exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at a greater risk of developing cancer than other. Asbestos fibres can be swallowed or inhaled and adhere to the lining of the organ. The irritate the lining, causing abnormal cells to grow and forming tumors. Symptoms usually do not appear until a person has developed advanced mesothelioma.

Exposure to asbestos most often is found in industrial settings in which workers handled the material or worked near it. Asbestos was utilized in shipbuilding, construction auto repair, shipbuilding and other trades. Veterans who served in the military are at particular risk for mesothelioma, as asbestos was used extensively on ships and bases.

People with a past exposure to asbestos need to be checked regularly and be alert to any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma they may order imaging scans, such as CT scans or MRI scans to check for tumors and determine if they've grown. They can also inquire about the patient's history of asbestos exposure and carry out a physical examination. Certain mesothelioma cases are linked to genetic changes, which means that certain patients could benefit from genetic testing.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a substance made up of tiny fibers that are durable and withstand heat. Asbestos was previously used in a wide variety of manufacturing and construction products such as insulation, brakes, shingles, flooring and more. When asbestos is disturbed it produces dust that can be swallowed or inhaled. This can cause irritation to the mesothelium over time which can eventually lead to mesothelioma.

People with a history of occupational asbestos exposure are at the most risk of mesothelioma. This includes those who worked in industries like shipbuilding, mining construction, automotive repair and construction. Veterans of the military are also at risk, since many branches of military employed asbestos-based materials.

Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma include the family history of asbestos exposure and prior treatment with radiation to the chest. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed also has a major impact on the risk. The most prevalent mesothelioma type is one that affects the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal.

In general mesothelioma, the risk increases with the third to fourth power of latency - which is how long it takes a person to be diagnosed. However, the incidence of pleural mesothelioma has a slight flattening approximately 40 years of exposure. Pericardial and peritoneal mesothelioma show this trend as well. Exposure to asbestos that is not occupational, such as living near an asbestos case plant or eating contaminated household products can also increase the risk of mesothelioma. In a study of six cities, those who were exposed to asbestos in this way had a higher risk of mesothelioma than those who only had occupational exposure.

Symptoms

The inner organs' linings are affected by malignant mesothelioma. It is most often seen in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also be found in the tissue of the heart or testicles. It is a rare form of cancer. The majority people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have jobs that exposed them to asbestos. It can take decades for mesothelioma symptoms to develop and the disease is not curable.

Asbestos is a class of minerals with tiny microscopically-sized fibers that are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. It was previously widely used in shipbuilding, construction manufacturing, and other industries. Exposure to asbestos legal (great post to read) may cause mesothelioma because the fibers can get stuck in tissues lining and protecting organs. This causes irritation and damages cells. This can cause tumors to expand and eventually develop into cancerous.

The most frequent mesothelioma form is found in the lining (pleura) of the lungs. It can also develop in the lining of the testicles or heart, or in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also spread to the lymph nodes, causing them to expand.

The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have a history of asbestos exposure and suffer from other illnesses like chronic lung disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other illnesses and it is therefore important to see a doctor if you observe any persistent or worrying signs and symptoms. Doctors might inquire about asbestos exposure in the past and perform an examination. They may also order imaging scans or blood tests of your abdomen and chest. They can reveal any swelling 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 harm and eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Different types of asbestos-related cancers form in various organs or tissues and can be diagnosed with different tests. Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of the chest cavity, lungs and stomach (peritoneum) or around the heart or reproductive organs.

To diagnose mesothelioma, a patient must first speak to their doctor about the history of asbestos law exposure they've suffered and any symptoms they may be experiencing. Doctors can also conduct a physical examination and order tests to assess the health of the lungs.

X-rays and CT scans help doctors get a clearer picture of the affected area. In certain instances doctors will perform a pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma, or another disease is causing the accumulation of fluid in the lung. The pleural effusion could be a symptom of pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma or a less common form of mesothelioma called biphasic or mixed mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed, as they resemble the symptoms of other diseases. The most frequent symptoms are chest pain and breathing problems. Pleural mesothelioma may cause chest tightness, fatigue, and a cough. Peritoneal Mesothelioma may cause abdominal pain, swelling, and distension. Testicular mesothelioma can manifest as a swollen or itchy lump in the testicles.

Researchers are studying specific blood proteins in hopes of developing an approach to detect mesothelioma early on. They are also studying various other tests and procedures that can enhance the accuracy of diagnostic tests, including mesothelioma imaging and MRIs. They are also studying genetic mutations, and how to determine if someone has a mesothelioma-related risk by studying their family background.

Treatment

Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. People who have worked with asbestos, particularly in high-risk occupations such as electrical work, construction or auto repairs, shipbuilding and military service are at an increased risk.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma as fibers become stuck in the tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers cause DNA damage and irritation to the mesothelium, which causes cancerous cells to grow. The symptoms of mesothelioma typically do not appear for decades after exposure.

The symptoms of mesothelioma differ according to the type and location in the body. Most mesothelioma patients have the lining in their lungs (pleural) however it may also affect the stomach's lining, heart and testicles.

Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is categorized as stages I to IV, with stages I and II being the first stages and the most treatment-able. Stage III and IV are later stages of cancer and more difficult to treat, however there are still a variety of treatment options available.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer and affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall, as well as the abdomen. In the majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure occurred in the workplace. This is most likely because of breathing in asbestos particles from the air or ingestion of the toxic substance through the food chain.

Other risk factors include a family history of mesothelioma, genetic mutations, and prior radiation therapy for another disease. If you've been exposed to asbestos and suffer from mesothelioma-related symptoms, it is crucial to see your doctor. Genetic counseling can also be beneficial. In certain instances mesothelioma experts can assist you in filing a lawsuit against companies who incorrectly use asbestos in everyday products.