Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have a long history of asbestos exposure are at risk of developing a variety of types of cancers, including mesothelioma. These cancers have a latency period of several decades, which means that symptoms may not be evident until decades after exposure.

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

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, or cancer of the internal organs' linings, like 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 can also affect the lining in the stomach and other areas of your body. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma and the cancer is usually not able to appear until decades after the initial exposure.

Workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace have an increased risk of developing the disease than others. Asbestos fibres can be swallowed or inhaled and stick to the organ lining. The fibers irritate the lining of the organ and cause abnormal cells to grow, creating tumors. The symptoms usually don't manifest until the patient is diagnosed with advanced mesothelioma.

Most asbestos exposure occurs in industrial settings, where workers handle the substance or work around it. Asbestos is used in many trades, such as shipbuilding, construction, and auto repair. Veterans who were in the military are particularly at risk for mesothelioma, as asbestos was widely used on ships and bases.

People with a past exposure to asbestos need to be checked regularly, and should be aware of any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they can order imaging scans like CT scans or MRI scans to check for tumors and determine if they've spread. They can also conduct an examination and inquire about a patient's asbestos exposure history. Certain cases of mesothelioma may be caused by genetic changes. Thus, certain patients might benefit from genetic tests.

Risk Factors

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral comprised of fibers, is impervious to heat and is strong. Asbestos was employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction products, including insulation, brakes, and shingles. Asbestos dust can be inhaled and swallowed when disturbed. As time passes, this could cause irritation of the mesothelium which may eventually develop into mesothelioma.

People who have an history of occupational asbestos exposure are at highest risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes people who have worked in industries like mining, shipbuilding and construction and auto repair. Veterans of the military are also at risk, as many branches of the military use asbestos-based materials.

A family history of asbestos and radiation therapy to the chest are other factors that can increase mesothelioma risk. The type of mesothelioma diagnosed also has a major impact on risk. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form and typically affects thma is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It may also begin in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or in the membrane that surrounds the testicles or the heart. Mesothelioma can also spread to the lymph nodes, which causes swelling of the lymph nodes.

Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have an extensive history of exposure to asbestos and are already suffering from other ailments like chronic lung disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to other diseases, so you should seek out a physician when any recurring or alarming symptoms persist. Doctors will ask you about your previous exposure to asbestos and may perform physical examination. They may also conduct scans and blood tests of your chest or abdomen. These can identify any swelling of the lung's lining, or fluid in the space between your lungs and chest wall.

Diagnosis

If asbestos fibers get stuck to the body, they could cause damage and may eventually turn into cancerous tumors. Different types of asbestos-related cancers form in various tissues or organs, and each type can be diagnosed with different tests. Mesothelioma forms in the lining of the chest cavity and lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the heart and reproductive organs.

To be able to diagnose mesothelioma the patient must speak to their doctor about the history of exposure to asbestos they've had and any symptoms they may be experiencing. Doctors also conduct a physical examination and request basic tests for example, like blood work to determine how well the lungs are functioning.

X-rays or CT scans can help doctors see the affected area better. In some instances doctors will perform a Pleural Fluid Test to determine if mesothelioma may be causing the fluid buildup. Pleural effusions can be an indication of pleural mixed or peritoneal mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma symptoms are often misdiagnosed, as they resemble the symptoms of other diseases. The most common symptoms include chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pleural mesothelioma may also cause chest tightness, fatigue and cough. Peritoneal Mesothelioma could cause abdominal swelling, pain, and distension. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a swollen or itchy lump on the testicles.

Researchers are studying proteins in blood to create methods to detect mesothelioma early in its development. They are also researching a number of other tests and procedures that could improve the accuracy of diagnosis, such as mesothelioma imaging and MRIs. They are also looking into genetic mutations and how to determine if a person has a mesothelioma-related risk by looking at their family background.

Treatment

Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. People who have worked with asbestos particularly in high-risk occupations such as construction, electrical work or auto repair, shipbuilding and military service are at risk.

Exposure to copperas cove asbestos attorney can cause mesothelioma, when fibers become stuck in the tissue that lines vital organs and shields them. The mesothelium is irritated by the asbestos fibers and cause DNA damage that can lead to cancerous cells. The symptoms of mesothelioma typically do not appear for decades after exposure.

Symptoms differ depending on the type of mesothelioma and where it occurs in the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) however it may also occur in the lining of the stomach (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 the cancer and more difficult to treat, however there are still many treatment options available.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent form of the disease and affects the lung lining and chest wall as well as the abdomen. The majority of cases of pleural msothelioma result from asbestos exposure while working. It was most likely due to breathing in asbestos particles from the air or ingestion of the toxic substance through the food chain.

Other risk factors are a genetic mutation in the family, and prior treatment with radiation for a different condition. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have mesothelioma-related symptoms, it is important to see your doctor. Genetic counseling can also be beneficial. A mesothelioma specialist can assist you in filing a lawsuit against companies who have knowingly used asbestos in their everyday products.