Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have had a history of exposure to asbestos are at risk for various types of cancer such as mesothelioma. These diseases have a latency time of many decades, which means that symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma or cancer of the linings of internal organs such as the lungs (pleural) or abdomen (peritoneal) and the heart (pericardial), is a rare and invasive disease. It's a rare, aggressive disease that most often starts in the lining of the chest cavity, but it could be found in the stomach's lining or other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, and the cancer is usually not able to show up until decades after the initial exposure.

People who are exposed to asbestos at work have an increased risk of developing cancer than others. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and adhere to the lining of the organ. The fibers can cause irritation to the lining and cause abnormal cells to multiply, leading to tumors. The symptoms typically don't show until a person is diagnosed with advanced mesothelioma.

The most frequent exposure to asbestos occurs in industrial jobs where workers handled the material or were in close proximity to it. Asbestos was used in shipbuilding, construction auto repair, shipbuilding and other trades. Veterans who were in the military are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma because asbestos was used extensively on bases and ships.

People who have a exposure to asbestos need to undergo regular checks and be alert for any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma they can order imaging scans, such as CT scans or MRI scans to detect tumors and determine if they've gotten larger. They may also perform a physical exam and ask about a patient's asbestos exposure history. Certain mesothelioma cases are associated with genetic changes, and therefore some patients might benefit from genetic testing.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that is made of tiny fibers that are tough and withstand heat. Asbestos used to be utilized in a variety of manufacturing and construction materials, such as insulation, brakes and shingles. When asbestos is disturbed it produces dust that can be inhaled or swallowed. This can cause irritation to mesothelium, which may eventually lead to mesothelioma.

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

Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma is the family history of asbestos legal exposure and prior radiation therapy to the chest. Furthermore, the mesothelioma type diagnosed has a significant impact on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common form and typically affects the lungs. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal (pericardial) testicular, testicular and the peritoneal.

In general, the risk of mesothelioma increases with the third to fourth power of latency - which is the time it takes for someone to get diagnosed. The incidence of pleural cancer shows an increase in incidence after 40 years. Both peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma have the same trend. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace like living near an asbestos plant or consuming food products contaminated by asbestos can also increase the risk of mesothelioma. In the study of six cities in the United States, those who were exposed to asbestos in this manner had a higher risk of mesothelioma than those who were exposed only to occupational exposure.

Symptoms

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the tissue of the organs' linings. It is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma can also form in the lining of the testicles or heart. It is a rare form of cancer and the majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma work on jobs that involved exposure to asbestos. It can take decades for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest and the disease is not curable.

Asbestos is one of the minerals with thin microscopically-sized fibers that are resistant to heat, chemicals, and fire. It was once widely used in shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and many other industries. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, because asbestos fibers can become stuck in the tissues that line and protect organs. This causes irritation and damages cells. This can cause tumors to grow and eventually turn into cancerous.

The most common type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma pleural, which occurs in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also start in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or in the membrane surrounding the heart or testicles. Mesothelioma can also spread to lymph nodes, causing them to swell.

The majority of people diagnosed mesothelioma suffer from a history of asbestos exposure and also suffer from other diseases like chronic pulmonary disease. Mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to the symptoms of other illnesses, so you should consult a doctor in the event that any worrying or persistent symptoms persist. Doctors may ask about asbestos exposure in the past, and then conduct a physical exam. They may also order imaging scans or blood tests of your abdomen and chest. These tests can reveal any thickening or fluid between the lungs and chest wall.

Diagnosis

When asbestos legal fibers are entangled to the body, they could cause damage and could eventually develop into cancerous tumors. asbestos claim-related cancers can form in different organs or tissues. Each type of cancer is identified by a specific test. Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of the chest cavity, lungs, stomach (peritoneum), or around the reproductive organs or the heart.

To determine if mesothelioma is a cancer patients must first discuss with their doctor the history of asbestos exposure they have suffered and any symptoms they may be experiencing. Doctors also conduct a physical exam and may order tests of a basic nature like blood tests to determine how well the lungs function.

X-rays or CT scans can aid doctors in identifying 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. Pleural effusions could be a sign of pleural, mixed or peritoneal mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed, as they resemble those of other illnesses. The most common symptoms are chest pain and breathing problems. Pleural mesothelioma can cause fatigue, chest tightness and a cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause abdominal discomfort swelling, distension and pain. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a swollen or itchy lump on the testicles.

Researchers are studying the proteins in blood to find a way of identifying mesothelioma at an early stage. They are also researching several other tests and procedures that could improve the accuracy of diagnosis. These include mesothelioma images and MRIs. They are also researching genetic mutations and how to determine if someone is at risk for mesothelioma through analyzing their family history.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma. People who have worked with asbestos, particularly in high-risk occupations such as electrical work, construction or auto repairs, shipbuilding and military service are at risk.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma when the fibers get stuck in the tissue that connects vital organs and protects them. The fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium and cause DNA damage that can lead to cancerous cells. Symptoms of mesothelioma usually are not evident for a long time after exposure.

The symptoms differ based on the type of mesothelioma and the location it develops within the body. Most mesothelioma patients have the lung lining (pleural) however it may also affect the stomach's lining, the heart and testicles.

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

The most frequent form of mesothelioma affects the linings of the lungs and chest wall and the abdomen. The majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma are the result of asbestos exposure at work. Most likely asbestos was inhaled via airborne particles or consumed via food items.

Other risk factors include mesothelioma in the family or genetic mutations as well as previous radiation therapy for a different condition. If you were exposed to asbestos and suffer from mesothelioma symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. Genetic counseling can also be beneficial. A mesothelioma expert can help you in filing a lawsuit against companies who have used asbestos in a wrong way in their everyday products.