Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have an exposure history to asbestos are at risk of developing different types of cancers that include mesothelioma. These diseases have a long time of latency, which means that symptoms do not appear for years after exposure.

The risk of developing pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma declines with time from the first exposure. The evidence is drawn from six cohort studies of occupational exposure and two residential cohorts that have long-term following.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the inner organs' linings which include the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare and severe disease that typically 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 develop until a long time after exposure.

People who are exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at higher chance of developing cancer than others. Asbestos fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and bind to the organ lining. The fibers cause irritation to the lining of the organ and cause abnormal cells to grow, forming tumors. Symptoms usually do not appear until a person has developed mesothelioma that is advanced.

Most asbestos exposure occurs in industrial jobs in which workers handle the substance or work close to 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.

People who have a history of asbestos exposure need to undergo regular checks and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they can order imaging scans like CT scans or MRI scans to look for tumors and determine if they've spread. They can also conduct a physical exam and ask about a patient's asbestos exposure history. Some cases of mesothelioma are related to genetic changes, and therefore some patients might benefit from genetic testing.

Risk Factors

The main mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a substance made up of tiny fibers that are tough and resistant to heat. Asbestos was used in a wide variety of manufacturing and construction materials such as insulation, brakes, shingles flooring, and many more. When asbestos is disturbed it creates dust that may be swallowed or inhaled. This can cause irritation to the mesothelium over time, which can eventually lead to mesothelioma.

People who have had an history of occupational asbestos exposure are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes people who have worked in industries like mining, shipbuilding and construction and automobile repair. Military veterans are also at high risk, since a number of branches of the military used asbestos-based products.

A family history of asbestos claim and radiation therapy to the chest are additional factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed can have a significant impact on the risk. The most common mesothelioma that affects the lungs. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial and testicular.

In general, the risk of mesothelioma increases with the third or fourth power of latency, which is the time it takes for someone to get diagnosed. However, the incidence of pleural mesothelioma exhibits an apparent flattening after about 40 years after exposure. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma both have this pattern as well. Those who have para-occupational exposure to asbestos, such as living in close proximity to an asbestos plant or eating contaminated household products are also at higher risk of developing mesothelioma. One study of six cities showed that those with this kind of exposure had a greater mesothelioma danger than those with only occupational exposure.

Symptoms

Malignant mesothelioma affects the cellular that surrounds internal organs. It is most often seen in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also be found in the heart's lining or testicles. It is a rare type of cancer, and the majority of people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma worked in jobs that exposed them to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma could take years to manifest and the disease is not curable.

Asbestos is made up of a group minerals that have microscopic fibers and are impervious to heat, chemicals and fire. It was once widely employed in shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and many other industries. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma as the fibers get stuck in tissues that line organs and protect them, causing irritation and damaging cells. This can lead to tumors expanding and eventually becoming cancerous.

The most prevalent form of mesothelioma occurs in the wall (pleura) of the lungs. It can also begin in the lining of the testicles or heart, or the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also be spread to lymph nodes and cause them to expand.

Most people diagnosed mesothelioma suffer from a history of exposure to asbestos lawyer and suffer from other illnesses like chronic pulmonary disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, so you should consult a doctor if any persistent or worrying symptoms persist. Doctors will inquire about your past asbestos exposure and may perform an examination. They may also order scans and blood tests of your chest or abdomen. These tests can detect any signs of thickening or fluid between the lungs and the chest wall.

Diagnosis

When asbestos fibers become stuck to the body, they may cause damage and may eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related cancers can develop in various organs or tissues. Each type of cancer can be identified by a specific test. Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of the chest cavity, lungs and stomach (peritoneum), or around the heart or reproductive organs.

To diagnose mesothelioma patients must first consult with their physician about the history of asbestos exposure they have suffered and any signs they are experiencing. Doctors can also conduct physical examinations and tests to determine the health of the lung.

X-rays and CT scans can help doctors get a clearer picture of the affected area. In some cases doctors may use the pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma or a different disease is causing fluid buildup in the lung. Pleural effusions can be an indication of pleural, mixed or peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed due to the symptoms resemble other diseases and conditions. The most common symptoms include chest pain and breathing problems. Pleural mesothelioma is also a cause of chest tightness, cough and fatigue. Peritoneal Mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, swelling and distension. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a swollen itchy lump on the testicles.

Researchers are studying the presence of proteins in the blood to develop methods to detect mesothelioma at an early stage. They are also researching various other tests and procedures that may improve diagnostic accuracy, including mesothelioma imaging as well as MRIs. They are also researching genetic mutations and ways to determine if a person is at risk for mesothelioma through analyzing their family history.

Treatment

asbestos litigation is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Anyone who has worked with asbestos in the past, particularly for long periods of time or in high-risk jobs such as construction, shipbuilding, electrical work military service and auto repair are at greater risk.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma when the fibers get stuck in the tissue that lines vital organs and protects them. The mesothelium is irritated by the asbestos fibers and cause DNA damage that can lead to cancerous cells. Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not appear for decades after exposure.

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

Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is categorized as stages I to IV with stage I and II being the first stages and most treatable. Stage III and IV are the more advanced stages of cancer that are more difficult to treat, however there are still many treatment options available.

Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type of cancer and affects the lining of the lungs, chest wall and abdomen. In most cases of pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure happened in the workplace. Most likely asbestos was inhaled via airborne particles or consumed via food.

Other risk factors include mesothelioma in the family, genetic mutations, and previous radiation therapy for another disease. It is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms of mesothelioma and have been exposed to asbestos. You may also benefit from genetic counseling. A mesothelioma specialist can assist you in filing a lawsuit against companies that have knowingly used asbestos in everyday products.