Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have a long history of exposure to asbestos are at risk of developing a variety of kinds of cancers, including mesothelioma. These diseases have a latency period of several years, meaning that symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the inner organs' linings, including the lung (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare and aggressive disease that usually begins in the lining of the chest cavity. However, it can also affect the lining of the stomach, as well as other parts of your body. Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. The cancer is usually not able to appear until decades after exposure.

People who are exposed to asbestos while at work are at a higher risk of getting the disease than others. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and stick to the organ lining. The fibers can cause irritation to the lining and cause abnormal cells to multiply, leading to tumors. The symptoms usually don't manifest until a person has advanced mesothelioma.

Most asbestos exposure occurs in the workplace where workers are exposed to the substance or work around it. Asbestos is utilized in a variety of trades, including shipbuilding, construction, and auto repair. Veterans who were in the military are at a higher risk for mesothelioma, as asbestos was widely used on bases and ships.

Anyone with an asbestos-related history should have regular checkups and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma they could request imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI or PET scans to look for the tumors and determine whether they have developed. They may also perform an examination and inquire about the patient's asbestos exposure history. Certain mesothelioma cases can be linked to genetic changes. Thus, certain patients may benefit from genetic tests.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos, a mineral composed of fibers, is resistant to heat and is strong. Asbestos was previously employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction products, including insulation, brakes, shingles flooring, and many more. Asbestos dust can be breathed in and swallowed when disturbed. This can cause irritation to the mesothelium over time which could eventually lead to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those with an occupational history of exposure to asbestos. This includes people who worked in industries like shipbuilding, mining construction, automotive repair and construction. Veterans of the military are also at risk, since many branches of service employed asbestos-based materials.

Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma include a family history of asbestos exposure and previous radiation therapy to the chest. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed has a significant impact on risk. The most prevalent mesothelioma that affects the lung. Other forms of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal.

The risk of mesothelioma typically increases when you reach the third or fourth power of latency, which is the time required to diagnose someone. The incidence of pleural cancer has a slight flattening after 40 years. Both peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma show the same trend. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace like living near an asbestos plant or eating contaminated household products can increase the risk of mesothelioma. A study of six cities found that those with this type of exposure had a greater mesothelioma risk than those who only had occupational exposure.

Symptoms

The linings of internal organs are affected by malignant mesothelioma. It most commonly occurs 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 and most people diagnosed with mesothelioma have worked in positions that exposed them to asbestos. It can take decades for symptoms of mesothelioma to develop and the condition is not curable.

Asbestos is one of the minerals with tiny microscopically-sized fibers that are resistant to fire, chemicals and heat. It was once widely used in construction, shipbuilding manufacturing, and other industries. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as the fibers get stuck in tissues that line and protect organs, causing irritation and damaging cells. Cary asbestos lawsuit can result in tumors expanding and eventually becoming cancerous.

The most prevalent form of mesothelioma occurs in the wall (pleura) of the lungs. It may also begin in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or in the membrane surrounding the testicles or heart. Mesothelioma can also spread to the lymph nodes, causing swelling of the lymph nodes.

The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are victims of asbestos exposure and suffer from other illnesses, such as chronic pulmonary disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of other conditions which is why it is crucial to visit a doctor if you observe any warning signs or symptoms. Doctors may ask about asbestos exposure in the past and perform an examination. They may also conduct blood tests and imaging scans of your abdomen or chest. They can reveal any thickening of the lung's lining, or fluid in the space between your lungs as well as the chest wall.

Diagnosis

Asbestos fibers that get stuck on the body may cause damage, and eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related tumors can grow in various organs or tissues. Each type of cancer is identified by a specific test. Mesothelioma forms in the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the reproductive organs and the heart.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for a patient to talk to their doctor about their history of asbestos exposure and what symptoms they've been experiencing. Doctors also conduct a physical examination and request basic tests, such as blood work to determine how well the lungs function.

X-rays or CT scans can help doctors understand the affected area more clearly. In some instances doctors will perform a pleural fluid test to determine if mesothelioma may be causing the fluid buildup. The pleural effusion may be a symptom of mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal mesot or a rarer form of mesothelioma called biphasic or mixed mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and conditions. The most common symptoms include difficulty breathing and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma could also cause fatigue, chest tightness, and a cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause abdominal discomfort swelling, distension and pain. Testicular mesothelioma can manifest as a swollen or itchy lump on the testicles.

Researchers are studying the proteins in blood to find a way of identifying mesothelioma early in its development. They are also looking into a number of other tests and procedures that can improve diagnostic accuracy, including mesothelioma imaging as well as 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 exposure is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. People who have worked with asbestos, particularly in high-risk occupations such as electrical work, construction or shipbuilding, auto repairs, and military service are at a higher risk.

Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma, when fibers are trapped in tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium and cause DNA damage that leads to cancerous cells. The symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident for a long time after exposure.

The symptoms vary based on the type of mesothelioma and the location it occurs in the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can also occur in the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (testicular mesothelioma).

Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is categorized as stage I to IV, with stages I and II being the earliest stages and the most treatable. Stage III and stage IV are the last stages of cancer, and are more difficult to treat. However there are many options for treatment.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent form of the disease and affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall as well as the abdomen. In most cases of pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure occurred in the workplace. This was most likely from breathing in airborne asbestos particles or ingestion of the toxic substance through the food chain.

Other risk factors include mesothelioma-related family history or genetic mutations as well as previous radiation therapy for another condition. If you were exposed to asbestos and suffer from mesothelioma-related symptoms, it is crucial to see a doctor. You may also benefit from genetic counseling. A mesothelioma expert can help you in filing a lawsuit against companies that have used asbestos in a wrong way in their everyday products.
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