Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

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

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

What is Mesothelioma?

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

People exposed to asbestos at work have an increased risk of developing the disease than other. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and cling to the organ's lining. The fibers cause irritation to the lining of the organ and cause abnormal cells to grow, forming tumors. The symptoms usually don't appear until a person has advanced mesothelioma.

The most frequent exposure to asbestos is found in industrial settings in which 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 particularly at risk of developing mesothelioma because asbestos was extensively used on bases and ships.

Anyone with an history of exposure to asbestos should have regular checkups and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma they can order imaging scans, such as CT scans or MRI scans to look for tumors and determine if they've spread. They may also ask about the patient's history of asbestos exposure and perform a physical examination. Certain mesothelioma cases can be caused by genetic changes. Thus, certain patients may benefit from genetic tests.

Risk Factors

Exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos, a mineral made up of fibers, is resistant to heat and strong. Asbestos used to be used in many construction and manufacturing products including insulation, brakes and shingles. When asbestos is disturbed, it creates dust that may be inhaled or swallowed. As time passes, this could cause irritation of the mesothelium, which could eventually lead to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in people who have had a history of occupational exposure to asbestos. This includes those who have worked in industries such as mining, shipbuilding and construction, as well as automotive repair. Veterans of the military are also at risk, since many branches of service employed asbestos-based materials.

A family history of asbestos or radiation therapy for chest cancer are other factors that can increase mesothelioma risk. The type of mesothelioma diagnosed also has a major impact on the risk. The most common type of mesothelioma is one that affects the lung. Other mesothelioma forms include peritoneal, pericardial and testicular.

The risk of mesothelioma generally increases when you reach the third or fourth power of latency, which is the time required to diagnose someone. The rate of pleural cancer is an increase in incidence after 40 years. Pericardial and peritoneal mesothelioma exhibit this trend too. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace which includes living near an asbestos plant or consuming household products that are contaminated, can also increase the risk of mesothelioma. In an investigation of six cities, people who were exposed to asbestos in this way had a higher risk of mesothelioma than those who had only occupational exposure.

Symptoms

Malignant mesothelioma affects the tissue that surrounds internal organs. Most often, it is found in the lung lining and abdomen. Mesothelioma can also occur in the lining of the testicles or the heart. It is a rare form of cancer and the majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma worked in positions that exposed them to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest, and the condition is not curable.

Asbestos is an assortment of minerals that possess tiny fibers that are resistant to chemicals, heat, and fire. It was once widely used in construction, shipbuilding manufacturing, and many other industries. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma because the fibers may get stuck in tissues lining and protecting organs. This causes irritation and damages cells. This can cause tumors to start growing and eventually becoming cancerous.

The most prevalent mesothelioma type is found in the lining (pleura) of the lung. It can also begin in the lining of the testicles or heart, or the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also spread to lymph nodes, causing them to swell.

Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma had an extensive history of exposure to asbestos and are already suffering from other diseases such as chronic lung disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other conditions which is why it is crucial to visit a doctor if you are experiencing persisting or alarming signs and symptoms. Doctors will ask you about your past asbestos exposure and may perform an examination. They may also order imaging scans or blood tests of your abdomen and chest. They can reveal any growth in the lung's lining, or fluid in the space between your lungs and chest wall.

Diagnosis

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

To be able to diagnose mesothelioma patients must first speak to their doctor about the history of asbestos exposure they've experienced and any signs they are experiencing. Doctors will also conduct an examination of the body and order tests to assess the health of the lungs.

X-rays or CT scans can help doctors see the affected area better. In certain instances doctors may use a pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma or a different disease is causing the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Pleural effusions could be an indication of pleural, mixed or peritoneal mesothelioma.

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

Researchers are studying specific proteins in the blood to find methods to detect mesothelioma earlier in its development. They are also researching various other tests and procedures that may enhance the accuracy of diagnostic tests, including mesothelioma imaging and MRIs. They are also studying genetic mutations and how to determine if a person has a mesothelioma-related risk by taking a look at their family history.

Treatment

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

Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma when fibers get stuck in the tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers cause DNA damage and irritation to the mesothelium which leads to cancerous cells to grow. Mesothelioma symptoms generally don't manifest until decades after exposure.

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the type of cancer and its location in the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however it may also be found in the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (testicular mesothelioma).

Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is classified as stage I to stage IV with stages I and II being the most early and the most treatment-able. Stage III and IV are later stages of cancer that are more difficult to treat, however there are many treatment options available.

The most frequent mesothelioma type affects the linings of the lungs and chest wall and the abdomen. The majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma are caused by asbestos litigation exposure while working. This was most likely from breathing in asbestos particles from the air or ingestion of the cancerous substance through the food chain.

Other risk factors are a family history, genetic mutations or previous radiation therapy for a different disease. It is essential to speak with a doctor if you have symptoms of mesothelioma and have been exposed to Asbestos Legal. You may also benefit from genetic counseling. A mesothelioma expert can help you in filing a lawsuit against companies that have wrongfully used asbestos in their everyday products.