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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have had a history of exposure to asbestos are at risk of developing several types of cancer, including mesothelioma. These cancers have a latency time of many years, meaning that symptoms may not be evident until decades after exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of internal organs that include the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare and severe disease that typically begins in the lining of the chest cavity. However, it could also affect the lining in the stomach, as well as other parts of your body. Asbestos exposure is the primary reason for mesothelioma, and the cancer is usually not able to show up until decades after the initial exposure.

People exposed to asbestos at work have a higher risk of developing the disease than others. Asbestos fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and bind to the organ lining. The fibers can cause irritation to the lining of the organ and cause abnormal cells to grow, forming tumors. The symptoms typically don't show until a person has advanced mesothelioma.

The majority of asbestos exposure happens in the workplace, where workers handle the material or work near it. Asbestos was utilized in construction, shipbuilding auto repair, shipbuilding and other trades. Veterans who served in the military are at higher risk of mesothelioma because asbestos was extensively used on ships and bases.

People with a past exposure to asbestos need to undergo regular checks, and should be alert for any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request 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 past history of exposure to asbestos and conduct a physical examination. Certain mesothelioma cases can be related to genetic changes. So, certain patients may benefit from genetic tests.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos, a mineral composed of fibers, is resistant to heat and is strong. Asbestos was utilized in a range of manufacturing and construction products such as insulation, brakes, shingles flooring, and many more. Asbestos dust can be breathed in and swallowed when it is disturbed. This can cause irritation of the mesothelium over time which can eventually lead to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in people who have an occupational history of exposure to asbestos. This includes those who have worked in industries like construction, shipbuilding, mining as well as in 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 and radiation therapy to the chest are additional factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma. In addition, the type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed has significant effects on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type and usually affects the lung. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal.

In general mesothelioma is a cancer that increases with the third to fourth power of latency, which is how long it takes a person to get diagnosed. However, the risk of pleural mesothelioma has a slight flattening out after around 40 years after exposure. Pericardial and peritoneal mesothelioma have this pattern as well. People who have a para-occupational exposure to asbestos - such as living in close proximity to an asbestos plant, or consuming contaminated household products are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. In the study of six cities in the United States, those who were exposed to asbestos in this manner were more likely to develop mesothelioma than people who were exposed only to occupational exposure.

Signs and symptoms

Malignant mesothelioma affects the cellular of the organs' linings. Most often, it is found in the lung linings and the abdomen. Mesothelioma can also develop in the lining of the heart or testicles. It is a rare cancer and the majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have worked in jobs that required exposure to asbestos settlement. It could take years for symptoms of mesothelioma to develop and the condition is not curable.

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

The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It may also begin in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or within the membrane that surrounds the testicles or the heart. Mesothelioma may also be spread to lymph nodes and cause swelling of the lymph nodes.

Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma have a history of exposure to asbestos and also suffer from other diseases, such as chronic lung disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to other diseases, so you should seek out a physician in the event that any worrying or persistent symptoms persist. Doctors will ask about your asbestos exposure in the past and may conduct a physical examination. They may also conduct scans of your blood and imaging of your abdomen or chest. These tests can detect any thickening or fluid between the lungs and the chest wall.

Diagnosis

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

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to talk with their doctor about their history with asbestos exposure and what symptoms they've experienced. Doctors will also perform a physical examination and order tests to assess the health of the lung.

X-rays and CT scans allow doctors to get a better view of the affected area. In some instances doctors will perform a test of pleural fluid to determine whether mesothelioma is responsible for the buildup of fluid. The pleural effusion may be a sign of mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal mesot or a rarer type of mesothelioma referred to as biphasic or mixed mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are often not properly diagnosed, because they are similar to the symptoms of other diseases. The most common symptoms are breathing difficulties and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma may also cause chest tightness, cough and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause abdominal discomfort swelling and distension. Testicular mesothelioma can manifest as a painful or itchy lump that is located in the testicles.

Researchers are studying certain proteins in the blood in the hope of figuring out a way to identify mesothelioma earlier in its development. They are also looking into various other tests and procedures that may improve diagnostic accuracy, including mesothelioma imaging as well as MRIs. They are also researching genetic mutations and how to determine if someone is at risk for mesothelioma by looking at their family history.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. People who have been exposed to asbestos, particularly in high-risk jobs such as electrical work, construction or auto repair, shipbuilding and military service are at a higher risk.

Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma, when fibers are trapped in the tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The mesothelium is irritated by the asbestos fibers and cause DNA damage that leads to cancerous cells. Symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't appear until decades after exposure.

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on its type and where it is located in the body. The majority of mesothelioma patients have a lining in their lungs (pleural) but it can also affect the linings of the stomach, heart and testicles.

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

The most prevalent mesothelioma form affects the linings of the lungs and chest wall and the abdomen. Most cases of pleural msothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure while working. This was most likely from breathing in airborne asbestos particles or ingestion of the cancerous substance through the food chain.

Other risk factors include mesothelioma in the family, genetic mutations and prior radiation therapy for another disease. It is crucial to talk with an expert if you experience symptoms of mesothelioma or were exposed to asbestos. You may also benefit from genetic counseling. In certain instances mesothelioma specialists can assist you in filing an action against companies that have knowingly used asbestos in their everyday products.