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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have had a history of exposure to asbestos settlement are at risk for different types of cancers such as mesothelioma. These diseases have a lengthy latency period, meaning symptoms don't manifest until years after exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the inner organs' linings that include the lung (pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It's a rare and deadly disease that typically begins in the lining of the chest cavity, but it may also occur in the stomach's lining or in other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and the cancer typically doesn't appear until decades after the initial exposure.

The people who are exposed asbestos in the workplace are at a greater chance of developing cancer than others. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they adhere to the lining of organs. The fibers can cause irritation to the lining and cause abnormal cells to grow, creating tumors. The symptoms usually do not show until someone has advanced mesothelioma.

The most frequent exposure to asbestos occurs in industrial jobs where workers handled the material or worked near it. asbestos settlement is used in many trades, such as construction, shipbuilding and auto repair. Veterans who served in the military are at particular risk for mesothelioma, as asbestos was widely used on ships and bases.

Patients with a exposure to asbestos need to be checked regularly and be alert to any unusual symptoms. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma, they can conduct imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scans to look for the tumors and see if they have spread. They may also perform an examination and inquire about the patient's asbestos exposure background. Some cases of mesothelioma are associated with genetic changes, and therefore some patients may benefit from genetic testing.

Risk Factors

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a mineral composed of fibers, is impervious to heat and is strong. Asbestos used to be used in many construction and manufacturing products including insulation, brakes and shingles. When asbestos is disturbed, it produces dust that can be inhaled or swallowed. Over time, this can cause irritation of the mesothelium which can ultimately develop into mesothelioma.

People who have had an history of occupational asbestos exposure are at the greatest risk for mesothelioma. This includes those who worked in industries like shipbuilding, mining, construction and automotive repair. Veterans of the military are also at high risk since many branches of the military use asbestos claim-based materials.

Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma include the family history of asbestos exposure and prior treatment for chest cancer with radiation. Additionally, the type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed has a significant impact on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent form and typically affects the lung. Other forms of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial and testicular.

In general, the risk of mesothelioma increases with the third to fourth power of latency - which is the time it takes a person to get diagnosed. However, the incidence of pleural mesothelioma shows a slight flattening out after approximately 40 years of exposure. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma both show this trend as well. Those who have para-occupational exposure to asbestos, such as living near to an asbestos plant or consuming contaminated household products are also at a higher risk for mesothelioma. One study of six cities revealed that those with this kind of exposure had a greater mesothelioma danger than those with only occupational exposure.

Signs and symptoms

Malignant mesothelioma can affect the tissue that surrounds internal organs. It is most often found in the lung lining (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also develop in the lining of the testicles or heart. It is a rare cancer and most people diagnosed with mesothelioma have worked in jobs that required exposure to asbestos. It can take decades for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest and the disease is not curable.

Asbestos is a group of minerals with thin microscopically sized fibers that resist heat, fire, and chemicals. It is extensively used in many industries, including shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing, and more. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma due to the fibers getting stuck in the tissues that line organs and protect them, causing irritation and damaging cells. This can cause tumors to start expanding and eventually becoming cancerous.

The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It may also begin in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or in the membrane surrounding the testicles or heart. Mesothelioma can also spread to the lymph nodes, which causes them to expand.

Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma had many years of exposure to asbestos law, and are suffering from other diseases like chronic lung disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other conditions and it is therefore important to see a doctor if you are experiencing warning signs or symptoms. Doctors will inquire about your asbestos exposure in the past and may perform an examination. They can also request scans of your blood and imaging of your chest or abdomen. These tests can reveal any signs of thickening or fluid between the lungs and chest wall.

Diagnosis

When asbestos fibers are entangled to the body, they may cause damage and may develop into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related tumors can grow in various organs or tissues. Each kind of cancer can be diagnosed with a different test. Mesothelioma forms in the tissue lining the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura) and stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the reproductive organs and the heart.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is to talk to his or her doctor about their history of asbestos exposure and the symptoms they've experienced. 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 understand the affected area more clearly. In certain instances doctors may use a pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma or a different disease is causing fluid accumulation in the lungs. The pleural effusion could be a symptom of pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma or a rarer form of mesothelioma called biphasic or mixed mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed due to the symptoms resemble those of other diseases and conditions. The most common symptoms are chest pain and breathing difficulties. Pleural mesothelioma is also a cause of a cough, chest tightness and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma can lead to abdominal pain swelling, distension and pain. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a painful or itchy lump that is located in the testicles.

Researchers are studying certain proteins in the blood in the hope of figuring out an approach to detect mesothelioma earlier in its development. They are also studying several other tests and procedures that could enhance the accuracy of diagnostic tests, including mesothelioma scans and MRIs. They are also researching genetic mutations and ways to determine if someone is at risk of developing mesothelioma through analyzing their family history.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma. Anyone who has worked with asbestos in the past, especially for prolonged periods of time or in high-risk jobs such as shipbuilding, electrical work, military and auto repair are at greater risk.

Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma, when fibers are trapped in the tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers cause DNA damage and irritation to the mesothelium, which leads to the growth of cancerous cells. Mesothelioma symptoms generally are not evident until years after exposure.

The symptoms differ based on the type of mesothelioma as well as the place it occurs in the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can 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 stage I to IV with stages I and II being the earliest stages and most treatable. 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 that affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall as well as the abdomen. In most cases of pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure was a result of the workplace. Most likely asbestos was inhaled via airborne particles or ingested through food items.

Other risk factors include a family history of mesothelioma or genetic mutations as well as prior radiation therapy for another condition. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have mesothelioma symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. Genetic counseling may also be beneficial. In certain instances, a mesothelioma specialist can help you file an action against companies that have knowingly used asbestos in their everyday products.