Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have had a history of exposure to asbestos are at risk for several types of cancer such as mesothelioma. These cancers have a latency period of several decades, which means symptoms might not manifest until years after exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma or cancer of the linings of internal organs such as the lung (pleural) or abdomen (peritoneal) and the heart (pericardial), is a rare and invasive disease. It is a rare, severe disease that typically begins in the lining of the chest cavity. However, it may also affect the lining in the stomach and other areas of your body. Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma and the cancer is usually not able to show up until decades after the initial exposure.

Workers exposed to Asbestos legal while at work are at an increased risk of getting the disease than others. Asbestos fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and stick to the lining of the organ. The fibers can cause irritation to the lining and cause abnormal cells to multiply, leading to tumors. The signs usually don't show until a person has developed mesothelioma with advanced stage.

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

Patients with a exposure to asbestos need to be checked regularly, and should be aware of any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma they may request imaging scans, such as CT scans or MRI scans to look for tumors and determine if they've grown. They can also conduct a physical exam and ask about the patient's asbestos exposure background. Certain cases of mesothelioma may be linked to genetic changes. Therefore, some patients might benefit from genetic testing.

Risk Factors

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral comprised of fibers, is impervious to heat and has a strong. Asbestos was once employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction products, including insulation, brakes, shingles, flooring and more. Asbestos dust is inhaled and swallowed when disturbed. This can cause irritation of mesothelium, which could eventually lead to mesothelioma.

People with a history of occupational asbestos litigation exposure are at the most risk of mesothelioma. This includes people who have worked in industries like construction, shipbuilding, mining as well as in automotive repair. Veterans of the military are also at risk, since many branches of military employed asbestos-based materials.

A family history of asbestos and radiation therapy to the chest are also factors that increase mesothelioma risk. In addition the mesothelioma type 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 peritoneal (pericardial), testicular and the peritoneal.

In general mesothelioma is a cancer that increases with the third or fourth power of latency, which is the length of time it takes for a patient to be diagnosed. The rate of pleural cancer shows a slight flattening after 40 years. Pericardial and peritoneal mesothelioma show this trend as well. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace which includes living near an asbestos plant or consuming food products contaminated by asbestos can increase the risk of mesothelioma. A study of six cities revealed that those with this type of exposure had a higher mesothelioma rate than those with only occupational exposure.

Signs and symptoms

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the tissue linings surrounding internal organs. Most often, it is found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma can also occur in the lining of the heart or testicles. It is a rare form of cancer. The majority patients diagnosed with mesothelioma worked in jobs that exposed them to asbestos lawsuit. It can take a long time for mesothelioma-related symptoms to manifest and the condition is not curable.

asbestos litigation is made up of a group minerals that have microscopic fibers and are impervious to heat, chemicals, and fire. It was previously widely used in construction, shipbuilding manufacturing, and other industries. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma because the fibers get stuck in the tissues that line and protect organs, causing irritation and damaging cells. This can cause tumors to expand and eventually turn into cancerous.

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

Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who have many years of exposure to asbestos and are suffering from other ailments like chronic lung diseases. The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to those of other conditions and it is therefore important to consult a doctor when you observe any warning signs or symptoms. Doctors will ask about your past asbestos exposure and may conduct physical examination. They may also order imaging scans or blood tests of your chest and abdomen. These tests can reveal any signs of thickening or fluid between the lungs and chest wall.

Diagnosis

Asbestos fibers that get stuck on the body can cause damage and can eventually turn into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related cancers can form in various organs or tissues. Each type of cancer is diagnosed with a different test. Mesothelioma can be found 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 exposure to asbestos they've suffered and any symptoms they are experiencing. Doctors also conduct a physical exam and may order tests of a basic nature like blood tests to determine how well the lungs are working.

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

The mesothelioma symptoms are frequently incorrectly diagnosed, since they resemble the symptoms of other diseases. The most common symptoms are chest pain and breathing problems. Pleural mesothelioma could also cause fatigue, chest tightness, and a cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma can lead to abdominal pain, swelling and distension. Testicular mesothelioma could manifest as a painful or itchy lump in the testicles.

Researchers are studying the presence of certain blood proteins to find a way to identify mesothelioma early on. They are also looking into several other tests and procedures that can improve diagnostic accuracy, including mesothelioma scans and 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 a major mesothelioma-related risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos, particularly in high-risk jobs such as electrical work, construction, auto repairs, shipbuilding and military service, are at risk.

Exposure to asbestos triggers mesothelioma as fibers become stuck in the tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers cause DNA damage and irritation to the mesothelium, which causes cancerous cells to grow. Symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't appear until decades after exposure.

The symptoms vary based on the type of mesothelioma and where it is found within the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) however it may 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 cancer is classified as stage I through stage IV with stages I and II being early and the most treatment-able. Stage III and IV are the more advanced stages of cancer and more difficult to treat, but there are still a variety of treatment options available.

The most prevalent mesothelioma form affects the linings of the lungs and chest wall, as well as the abdomen. The majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma are the result of asbestos exposure while working. This was most likely from exposure to asbestos particles in the air or ingesting the cancerous substance through the food chain.

Other risk factors include mesothelioma in the family or genetic mutations as well as previous radiation therapy for a different condition. If you have been exposed to asbestos and suffer from mesothelioma symptoms it is crucial to see a doctor. Genetic counseling may also be beneficial. In some cases mesothelioma experts can help you file a lawsuit against companies who have knowingly used asbestos in their everyday products.