Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have had a history of exposure to asbestos are at risk of developing several types of cancer such as mesothelioma. These cancers have a long latency period, meaning symptoms don't manifest until many years after exposure.

The risk of developing pleural and peritoneal msothelioma decreases with time after first exposure. Evidence is based upon six occupationally and two residential cohort studies that have a long-term follow-up.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma or cancer of the internal organs' linings, like the lung (pleural) or abdomen (peritoneal) and heart (pericardial) is a rare but aggressive disease. It's a rare, aggressive disease that most often starts in the lining of the chest cavity, but it could also occur in the lining of the stomach or in other parts of the body. Asbestos is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. The cancer usually doesn't show up until decades after exposure.

People exposed to asbestos in the workplace have higher chances of developing the disease than other. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and cling to the lining of organs. They can cause irritation to the lining which causes abnormal cells to grow and form tumors. The symptoms usually don't appear until a person has advanced mesothelioma.

The most frequent exposure to asbestos occurs in industrial settings in which workers handle the substance or work around it. Asbestos was employed in construction, shipbuilding auto repair, shipbuilding and other trades. Veterans who were in the military are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma due to asbestos because it was widely employed on bases and ships.

People with a past exposure to asbestos are required to be checked regularly, and should be alert for any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they can order imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scans to look for the tumors and determine if they have spread. They may also perform an examination and inquire about a patient's asbestos exposure background. Certain mesothelioma cases are associated with genetic changes, which means that some patients might benefit from genetic tests.

Risk Factors

The primary mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is made of tiny fibers that are tough and withstand heat. Asbestos was utilized in a range of construction and manufacturing products such as insulation, brakes and shingles flooring, and more. Asbestos dust can be breathed in and swallowed when it is disturbed. In time, this may lead to irritation of the mesothelium which could eventually lead to mesothelioma.

People who have an occupational history of asbestos exposure are at highest risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes those 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.

A family history of asbestos or radiation therapy for chest cancer are other factors that can increase mesothelioma risk. Furthermore the mesothelioma type that is diagnosed has a significant impact on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common form and typically affects the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial and testicular.

In general mesothelioma is a cancer that increases with the third to fourth power of latency - which is the time it takes for someone to be diagnosed. However, the incidence of pleural mesothelioma shows a slight flattening out after around 40 years after exposure. Pericardial and peritoneal mesothelioma exhibit this trend too. People who have a para-occupational exposure to asbestos - such as living in close proximity to an asbestos plant or consuming products that contain asbestos are also at a higher risk for mesothelioma. In an investigation of six cities, those who were exposed to asbestos in this manner had a higher risk of mesothelioma than people who had only occupational exposure.

Symptoms

Malignant mesothelioma affects the tissue of the organs' linings. Most often, it is found in the lung lining and abdomen. Mesothelioma can also occur in the tissue of the heart or testicles. It is a rare form of cancer. The majority people diagnosed with mesothelioma were employed in jobs where they were exposed to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be delayed for years before they appear and the disease is not curable.

Asbestos is a class of minerals that have thin microscopically sized fibers that are resistant to fire, chemicals and heat. It was once widely used in construction, shipbuilding manufacturing, and other industries. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as the fibers may get stuck in the tissues of the lining and protecting organs. This causes irritation and damages to cells. This can cause tumors to grow and eventually develop into cancerous.

The most frequent mesothelioma type is found in the tissue (pleura) of the lungs. It may also begin in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or within the membrane that surrounds the heart or testicles. Mesothelioma can also expand to lymph nodes and cause them to expand.

The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who have an extensive history of exposure to asbestos, and are suffering from other ailments like chronic lung diseases. The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to other conditions, so it is important to visit a doctor if you observe any warning signs or symptoms. Doctors will ask you about your previous exposure to asbestos and may perform an examination. They may also conduct scans and blood tests of your abdomen or chest. These tests will reveal any thickening or fluid between the lungs and chest wall.

Diagnosis

When asbestos fibers are entangled to the body, they may cause damage and may eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related cancers can form in different organs or tissues. Each type of cancer is diagnosed using a different test. Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the heart and reproductive organs.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to speak with their doctor about their experience with asbestos attorney exposure and what symptoms they've experienced. Doctors will also perform a physical examination and order tests to assess the health of the lungs.

X-rays and CT scans allow doctors to get a clearer picture of the affected area. In certain cases, doctors will use the pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma, or another disease is causing the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. The pleural effusion may be a symptom of pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma or a rarer type of mesothelioma called biphasic or mixed mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and conditions. The most common symptoms include chest pain and breathing problems. Pleural mesothelioma can also cause a cough, chest tightness and fatigue. Peritoneal Mesothelioma could cause abdominal swelling, pain, and distension. Testicular mesothelioma could manifest as a painful or itchy lump in the testicles.

Researchers are studying specific proteins in the blood in the hope of figuring out a way to identify mesothelioma early on. They are also researching various other tests and procedures that could improve diagnostic accuracy, including mesothelioma imaging and MRIs. They are also researching genetic mutations and ways to determine whether a person 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 attorney in the past, particularly for long periods of time or in high-risk jobs such as electrical work, shipbuilding, auto repair and military service are at a higher risk.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma, when fibers become stuck in the tissue that lines vital organs and shields them. The fibers cause DNA damage and irritation to the mesothelium which leads to cancerous cells to grow. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until years after exposure.

The symptoms vary based on the type of mesothelioma and the location it is found within the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can also be found in the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (testicular mesothelioma).

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 stage IV are the last stages of cancer and are more difficult to treat. However there are still numerous options for treatment.

Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent 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 claim exposure was a result of the workplace. Most likely, asbestos was inhaled through airborne particles or inhaled through food items.

Other risk factors include mesothelioma in the family, genetic mutations and prior radiation therapy for another condition. It is essential to speak with your doctor if you exhibit symptoms of mesothelioma or have been exposed to asbestos case. You could also benefit from genetic counseling. In some instances Mesothelioma case specialists can help you file a lawsuit against companies who wrongfully put asbestos in everyday products.