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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have a history of exposure to asbestos are at risk of developing a variety of types of cancers, such as mesothelioma. These cancers have a long time to develop, meaning that symptoms do not manifest for many years after exposure.

The risk of developing pleural and mesothelioma peritoneal diminishes with time from the first exposure. The evidence is based on six occupational and two residential cohort studies with long-term follow-up.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, also known as cancer of the linings of internal organs such as the lung (pleural) or abdomen (peritoneal) and heart (pericardial), is a rare and invasive disease. It's a rare, aggressive disease that typically begins in the lining of the chest cavity, but it can be found in the lining of the stomach or other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, and the cancer typically doesn't appear until decades after the initial exposure.

People who are exposed to asbestos while at work are at an increased risk of getting the disease than others. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and adhere to the lining of the organ. The fibers cause irritation to the lining of the organ and cause abnormal cells to grow, creating tumors. The symptoms typically don't show until a person has advanced mesothelioma.

Exposure to asbestos most often occurs in industrial jobs in which workers handled the material or were in close proximity to it. Asbestos is used in many trades, including shipbuilding, construction, and auto repair. Veterans who served in military are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma due to asbestos because it was commonly used on ships and bases.

Patients with a exposure to asbestos are required to be checked regularly, and should be alert for any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma they could order imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scans to check for tumors and see if they have developed. They may also perform physical examinations and inquire about a patient's exposure to asbestos background. Some cases of mesothelioma can be linked to genetic changes. Therefore, some patients might benefit from genetic tests.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral comprised of fibers, is resistant to heat and is strong. Asbestos used to be used in many manufacturing and construction materials, such as insulation, brakes and shingles. When asbestos is disturbed, it creates dust that may be swallowed or inhaled. In time, this may lead to irritation of the mesothelium which may eventually develop into mesothelioma.

People who have an history of occupational asbestos exposure are at highest risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes people who have been employed in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, mining, as well as automobile repair. Veterans of the military are also at risk, because many branches of the military employed asbestos-based materials.

A family history of asbestos or radiation therapy to the chest are also factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed has a significant impact on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent form and typically affects the lung. Other mesothelioma forms include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular, testicular and peritoneal.

In general mesothelioma, the risk increases with the third to fourth power of latency, which is the time it takes for a patient to be diagnosed. The rate of pleural cancer shows an apparent flattening after 40 years. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma both show this trend as well. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace, such as living near an asbestos plant or consuming household products that are contaminated can also increase the risk of mesothelioma. In a study of six cities in the United States, those who were exposed to asbestos lawyers in this way had a higher risk of mesothelioma compared to those who had only occupational exposure.

Signs and symptoms

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the tissue that surrounds internal organs. It is most often found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also occur in the lining of the testicles or the heart. It is a rare form of cancer and most people diagnosed with mesothelioma work in positions that exposed them to asbestos. It could take years for mesothelioma symptoms to develop, and the disease is not curable.

Asbestos is one of the minerals with tiny microscopically-sized fibers that are resistant to fire, chemicals and heat. It is widely used in many industries, including shipbuilding construction, manufacturing and many more. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma due to the fibers getting stuck in the tissues that line organs and protect them that cause irritation and damage to cells. This can cause tumors to grow and eventually become cancerous.

The most common form of mesothelioma occurs in the wall (pleura) of the lung. It may also begin in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or within the membrane that surrounds the heart or testicles. Mesothelioma can also expand to lymph nodes and cause them to expand.

The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are victims of exposure to asbestos and suffer from other illnesses, such as chronic pulmonary disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other illnesses, so it is recommended to consult a doctor when any recurring or alarming symptoms persist. Doctors might inquire about asbestos exposure in the past and perform a physical exam. They can also order imaging scans or blood tests of your abdomen and chest. These tests can reveal any fluid or thickening between the lungs and chest wall.

Diagnosis

Asbestos fibers that are entangled on the body can cause damage, and eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related tumors can grow in different organs or tissues. Each kind of cancer can be diagnosed with a different test. Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the chest cavity and lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the reproductive organs and the heart.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for a patient to talk to his or her doctor about their history of asbestos exposure and what symptoms they've experienced. Doctors also conduct a physical examination and order basic tests, such as blood work to determine how well the lungs are working.

X-rays and CT scans allow doctors to get a clearer picture of the affected area. In some cases doctors may perform a Pleural Fluid Test to determine if mesothelioma may be responsible for the buildup of fluid. Pleural effusions can be a sign of pleural, peritoneal or mixed mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are often incorrectly diagnosed, since they resemble those of other diseases. The most common symptoms are breathing difficulties and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma may also cause a cough, chest tightness and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause abdominal discomfort swelling, distension and pain. Testicular mesothelioma could manifest as a swollen or itchy lump on the testicles.

Researchers are studying specific proteins in the blood to find methods to detect mesothelioma earlier in its development. They are also looking into a number of other tests and procedures that could improve diagnostic accuracy, including mesothelioma imaging as well as MRIs. They are also looking into genetic mutations, and how to determine if a person has a mesothelioma risk by looking at their family background.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. People who have worked with asbestos in the past, particularly for prolonged periods of time or in high risk jobs such as electrical work, shipbuilding, military and auto repair are at a higher risk.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma when the fibers get stuck in the tissue that lines vital organs and protects them. The fibers cause DNA damage and irritation to the mesothelium, which leads to cancerous cell growth. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until years after exposure.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the type of cancer and its location within the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however it may 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 classified as stage I to IV with stage I and II being the earliest stages and most treatable. Stage III and IV are the later stages of the cancer and more difficult to treat, however there are many treatment options available.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent 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 happened in the workplace. Most likely asbestos was inhaled through airborne particles or ingested through food items.

Other risk factors include a genetic mutation in the family or prior treatment for a different disease. If you've been exposed to asbestos and have mesothelioma symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor. Genetic counseling can also be beneficial. In some cases, a mesothelioma specialist can assist You tube in filing a lawsuit against companies that wrongfully put asbestos in everyday products.