Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People with previous exposure to asbestos are at risk for different types of cancers such as mesothelioma. These diseases have a latency time of several decades, which means symptoms may not be evident until decades after exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of internal organs which include the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It's a rare and aggressive disease that typically begins in the lining of the chest cavity, but it could also occur in the stomach's lining or other parts of the body. Asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma. The cancer typically doesn't show up until decades after exposure.

People who are exposed to asbestos litigation at work have higher chances of developing the disease than others. Asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed and adhere to the organ's lining. They irritate the lining of the organs and cause abnormal cells to multiply and develop into tumors. The signs usually don't show until a person has developed mesothelioma with advanced stage.

The most frequent exposure to asbestos occurs in industrial settings in which workers handle the material or work near it. Asbestos was employed in shipbuilding, construction, auto repair and other trades. Veterans who were in the military are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma because asbestos was used extensively on ships and bases.

Patients with a exposure to asbestos are required to have regular checkups and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma they may request imaging scans like CT scans or MRI scans to check for tumors and determine if they've gotten larger. They can also conduct a physical exam and ask about the patient's asbestos exposure background. Certain cases of mesothelioma may be caused by genetic changes. Thus, certain patients may benefit from genetic testing.

Risk Factors

The main mesothelioma-related risk is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral made by tiny fibers which are tough and resistant to heat. Asbestos was utilized in a variety of manufacturing and construction products, including insulation, brakes and shingles. When asbestos is disturbed, it produces dust that can be swallowed or inhaled. This can cause irritation of the mesothelium over time, which may eventually lead to mesothelioma.

People who have had a history of occupational asbestos exposure are at most risk of mesothelioma. This includes those who have worked in industries like mining, shipbuilding and construction and auto 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 include an asbestos-related family history exposure and previous radiation therapy to the chest. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed can have a significant impact on risk. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent form and typically affects the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial and testicular.

In general mesothelioma, the risk increases with the third or fourth power of latency, which is the length of time it takes for someone to be diagnosed. The rate of pleural cancer has an apparent 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 kind of exposure had a greater mesothelioma danger than those with only occupational exposure.

Symptoms

Malignant mesothelioma affects the cellular that surrounds internal organs. Most commonly, it occurs 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 most people diagnosed with mesothelioma worked on jobs that involved exposure to asbestos legal (take a look at the site here). The symptoms of mesothelioma could take years to appear, and the condition is not curable.

Asbestos is a class of minerals with tiny microscopically-sized fibers that are resistant to heat, chemicals, and fire. It was once extensively employed in shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and many other industries. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma due to the fibers getting stuck in tissues that line organs and protect them that cause irritation and damage to cells. This can cause tumors to grow and eventually develop into cancerous.

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

Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma are victims of asbestos exposure and also suffer from other diseases like chronic lung disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to other diseases, and you should seek out a physician when any recurring or alarming symptoms persist. Doctors might inquire about asbestos exposure in the past and conduct a physical exam. They may also order scans of your body or blood tests of your abdomen and chest. They can reveal any thickening of the lung's lining or the fluid that is leaking out of the space between your lungs and chest wall.

Diagnosis

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

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to speak with their doctor about their experience with asbestos exposure and what symptoms they've been experiencing. Doctors can also conduct physical examinations and tests to determine the health of the lung.

X-rays and CT scans help doctors gain a better understanding of the affected area. In certain instances doctors will perform a pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma, or another disease is causing fluid accumulation in the lung. Pleural effusions can be a sign of pleural, peritoneal or mixed mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are often incorrectly diagnosed, since they resemble those of other illnesses. The most commonly reported symptoms are difficulty breathing and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma can also cause chest tightness, cough and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma can lead to abdominal pain, swelling and distension. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a swollen or itchy lump in the testicles.

Researchers are studying proteins in the blood to develop ways to identify mesothelioma in the early stages. They are also studying various other tests and procedures that could improve the accuracy of diagnostics. This includes mesothelioma scans and MRIs. They are also studying genetic mutations and how to determine if someone is at risk for mesothelioma by examining their family history.

Treatment

Asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma 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 and auto repair are at greater risk.

Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma, when fibers are trapped in tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers cause DNA damage and irritation to the mesothelium which can cause cancerous cell growth. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't manifest until decades after exposure.

The symptoms vary based on the type of mesothelioma and where it is found in the body. The majority of mesothelioma patients have a lining in their lungs (pleural) but it could also affect the stomach's lining, heart and testicles.

Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is categorized as stage I through IV, with stage I and II being the earliest stages and most treatment-able. Stage III and IV are the more advanced stages of the cancer and more difficult to treat, however there are still a variety of treatment options available.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease and affects the lining of the lungs, chest wall and abdomen. In most cases of pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure occurred in the workplace. Most likely asbestos was inhaled via airborne particles or consumed via food items.

Other risk factors include mesothelioma in the family, genetic mutations, and previous radiation therapy for a different condition. If you have been exposed to asbestos lawsuit and suffer from mesothelioma symptoms, it is important to see an expert. Genetic counseling may also be beneficial. In some cases mesothelioma specialists can help you file a lawsuit against companies who incorrectly use asbestos in everyday products.