Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers
People with previous exposure to asbestos are at risk for different types of cancers that include mesothelioma. These diseases have a latency time of several decades, which means symptoms may not be evident until decades after exposure.
The risk of pleural and peritoneal
mesothelioma declines with time since first exposure. Evidence is based on two residential and six occupational cohort studies with long-term follow-up.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is cancer of the inner organs' linings which 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 chest's lining cavity, but it can be found in the lining of the stomach or in other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, and the cancer typically doesn't show up until decades after the initial exposure.
Those who are exposed to
asbestos law in the workplace are at higher risk of developing cancer than others. Asbestos fibres can be swallowed or inhaled and stick to the lining of the organ. They can cause irritation to the lining and cause abnormal cells to grow and forming 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 in proximity to it. Asbestos is used in many trades, such as construction, shipbuilding and auto repair. Veterans who served in the military are at a higher risk for mesothelioma, as asbestos was used extensively on ships and bases.
Patients with a exposure to asbestos need to be checked regularly and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma they could request imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI or PET scans to check for tumors and see if they have developed. They may also ask about the patient's history of asbestos exposure and carry out a physical examination. Some cases of mesothelioma are related to genetic changes, and therefore certain patients could benefit from genetic testing.
Risk Factors
The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral comprised of fibers, is impervious to heat and is strong. Asbestos was utilized in a range of manufacturing and construction materials, including insulation, brakes, shingles flooring, and more. When asbestos is disturbed it releases dust that could be swallowed or inhaled. In time, this may lead to irritation of the mesothelium which may eventually develop into mesothelioma.
People who have had an history of occupational asbestos exposure are at most risk of mesothelioma. This includes people who worked in industries like shipbuilding, mining construction, and automotive repair. Veterans of the military are also at risk, since a number of branches of the military utilized asbestos-based materials.
Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma are a family history of asbestos exposure as well as prior radiation therapy to the chest. Furthermore, the type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed has a significant impact on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent form and typically affects the lung. Other forms of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial and peritoneal.
In general, the risk of mesothelioma increases with the third or fourth power of latency, which is how long it takes for a patient to be diagnosed. However, the rate of pleural mesothelioma exhibits a slight flattening out after about 40 years after exposure. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma both have this pattern as well. People who have a para-occupational exposure to asbestos, such as living in close proximity to an asbestos plant, or consuming products from the household that are contaminated are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. One study of six cities showed that those with this kind of exposure had a higher mesothelioma risk than those who only had occupational exposure.
Symptoms
Malignant mesothelioma affects the tissue of the organs' linings. It most commonly occurs in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also form in the lining around the testicles or heart. It is a rare form of cancer and the majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma worked in jobs that required exposure to
asbestos legal. It could take years for symptoms of mesothelioma to develop and the disease is not curable.
Asbestos is a group of minerals that have thin microscopically sized fibers that resist fire, chemicals and heat. It is widely employed in a variety of industries, including shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and many more. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma due to the fibers getting stuck in the tissues that line organs and protect them which causes irritation and damage to cells. This can cause tumors to start growing and eventually becoming cancerous.
The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It may also start in the lining that surrounds the heart or testicles, or the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also spread to the lymph nodes, which causes them to swell.
Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who have many years of exposure to asbestos, and are suffering from other ailments such as chronic lung disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other illnesses and it is therefore important to consult a doctor when you observe any persistent or worrying signs and symptoms. Doctors might inquire about asbestos exposure in the past and perform an examination. They may also order scans and blood tests of your abdomen or chest. These can identify any swelling of the lining of your lungs or the fluid that is leaking out of the space between your lungs and the chest wall.
Diagnosis
If asbestos fibers get stuck to the body, they may cause damage and may eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related tumors can grow in a variety of organs and tissues. Each kind of cancer can be identified by a specific test. Mesothelioma develops in the tissues of the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the reproductive organs and the heart.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for a patient to speak with their doctor about their history of asbestos exposure and the symptoms they have been experiencing. Doctors will also conduct a physical exam and request basic tests, such as blood work to determine how well the lungs are working.
X-rays and CT scans allow doctors to get a better view of the affected area. In certain cases doctors will perform the pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma or a different disease is causing fluid buildup in the lung. The pleural effusion can be a sign of pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma or a less common form of mesothelioma known as biphasic or mixed mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and conditions. The most common symptoms are chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pleural mesothelioma is also a cause of a cough, chest tightness and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma can lead to abdominal discomfort swelling and distension. Testicular mesothelioma can manifest as a swollen or itchy lump that is located in the testicles.
Researchers are studying the presence of certain proteins in the blood to find a way to identify mesothelioma before it becomes a problem. They are also studying a number of other tests and procedures that could improve diagnostic accuracy, including mesothelioma scans and MRIs. They are also researching genetic mutations and ways to determine whether a person is at risk for mesothelioma by looking at their family history.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. People who have worked with asbestos in the past, especially for long periods of time, or in high-risk jobs such as shipbuilding, electrical work, auto repair and military service are at a higher risk.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma as fibers become stuck in tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers cause DNA damage and irritation to the mesothelium which leads to cancerous cell growth. Mesothelioma symptoms usually do not appear until decades after exposure.
Symptoms differ depending 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 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 most treatment-able. Stage III and stage IV are the more advanced stages of cancer and are more difficult to treat. However there are many options to treat.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer and affects the lining of the lungs, chest wall and abdomen. In most cases of pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure was a result of the workplace. Most likely
asbestos claim was inhaled through airborne particles or inhaled through food items.
Other risk factors include a family history of mesothelioma, genetic mutations and prior radiation therapy for another condition. If you were exposed to
asbestos case and suffer from mesothelioma symptoms, it is important to see an expert. Genetic counseling can also be beneficial. In some instances, a mesothelioma specialist can help you file a lawsuit against companies that have knowingly used asbestos in their everyday products.
