Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers
People who have had an exposure history to asbestos are at risk for several types of cancer such as mesothelioma. These diseases have a long latency period, meaning symptoms do not appear for years after exposure.
The risk of pleural and mesothelioma of the peritoneal region decreases since first exposure. Evidence is based upon six occupational and two residential cohort studies with long-term follow-up.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of internal organs, including the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It's a rare, aggressive disease that most often starts in the chest's lining cavity, but it can also occur in the stomach's lining or in other areas of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, and the cancer usually doesn't show up until decades after the initial exposure.
Those who are exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at an increased chance of developing cancer than other.
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they adhere to the organ's lining. They irritate the lining of the organs, causing abnormal cells to multiply and develop into tumors. The symptoms typically don't show until the patient is diagnosed with advanced mesothelioma.
The most frequent exposure to asbestos occurs in industrial settings where workers are exposed to the substance or work around it. Asbestos was used in shipbuilding, construction, auto repair and other trades. Veterans who were in the military are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma because asbestos was extensively used on ships and bases.
People who have a history of asbestos exposure should be screened regularly and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma they can order imaging scans such as CT scans or MRI scans to check for tumors and determine if they've spread. They may also perform a physical exam and ask about a patient's asbestos exposure history. Some cases of mesothelioma can be linked to genetic changes. Thus, certain patients could benefit from genetic tests.
Risk Factors
The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral comprised of fibers, is impervious to heat and strong. Asbestos was employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction materials, such as insulation, brakes, and shingles. Asbestos dust is inhaled and swallowed when disturbed. Over time, this can cause irritation of the mesothelium which could eventually lead to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is most common for those with a history of occupational exposure to asbestos. This includes people who worked in fields like shipbuilding, mining, construction and automotive repair. Military veterans are also at high risk, as many branches of the military used asbestos-based products.
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 an impact on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent type and usually affects the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial) testsicular, testicular, and the peritoneal.
The risk of mesothelioma typically increases when you reach the third or fourth power of latency which is the length of time it takes to identify someone. However, the rate of pleural mesothelioma has a slight flattening out after approximately 40 years of exposure. Both pericardial and peritoneal mesothelioma show the same trend. People who have a para-occupational exposure to asbestos - such as living in close proximity to an
Asbestos Legal plant, or consuming products that contain asbestos - are also at increased risk of developing mesothelioma. A study of six cities showed that those who had this type of exposure had a greater mesothelioma danger than those who had only occupational exposure.
Signs and symptoms
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the tissue that surrounds internal organs. Most commonly, it occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. Mesothelioma may also develop in the lining of the heart or testicles. It is a rare form of cancer and most people diagnosed with mesothelioma worked in jobs that required exposure to asbestos. It could take years for symptoms of mesothelioma to develop and the disease is not curable.
Asbestos is made up of an assortment of minerals that possess tiny fibers that are resistant to heat, chemicals, and fire. It was previously widely employed in shipbuilding, construction manufacturing, and many other industries. Exposure to
asbestos could cause mesothelioma as the fibers can get stuck in the tissues of the lining and protecting organs. This causes irritation and damages to cells. This can result in tumors growing and eventually becoming cancerous.
The most frequent type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also begin in the lining that surrounds the testicles or heart, or in the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also spread to lymph nodes, causing them to expand.
The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma had an extensive history of exposure to asbestos, and are suffering from other ailments such as chronic lung disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other illnesses, so it is important to visit a doctor if you observe any persisting or alarming signs and symptoms. Doctors will ask you about your previous exposure to asbestos and may also conduct an examination. They may also order blood tests and imaging scans of your chest or abdomen. These tests will reveal any signs of thickening or fluid between the lungs and chest wall.
Diagnosis
When asbestos fibers become stuck to the body, they could cause damage and may eventually turn into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related cancers can form in various organs or tissues. Each kind of cancer can be diagnosed using a different test. Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the chest cavity and lungs (pleura), the stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the reproductive organs and the heart.
To determine if mesothelioma is a cancer, a patient must first discuss with their doctor the history of asbestos exposure they have had and any symptoms they may be experiencing. Doctors will also conduct an examination of the body and order tests to determine the health of the lungs.
X-rays and CT scans allow doctors to gain a better understanding of the affected area. In some cases doctors will perform an pleural effusion test in order to determine if mesothelioma, or another disease is causing the accumulation of fluid in the lung. Pleural effusions may be a sign of pleural, peritoneal or mixed mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed due to the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and conditions. The most common symptoms include chest pain and breathing problems. Pleural mesothelioma may also cause a cough, chest tightness and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause abdominal discomfort, swelling and distension. Testicular mesothelioma could manifest as a painful lump that is itchy on the testicles.
Researchers are studying proteins in the blood to develop methods to detect mesothelioma at an early stage. They are also looking into a number of other tests and procedures that can enhance the accuracy of diagnostic tests, including mesothelioma imaging as well as MRIs. They are also studying genetic mutations and how to determine if someone is at risk for mesothelioma by looking at their family history.
Treatment
Asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. People who have worked with asbestos in the past, specifically for prolonged periods of time, or in high-risk jobs such as electrical work, shipbuilding, military service and auto repair are at a higher risk.
Exposure to
asbestos litigation can trigger mesothelioma when the fibers get stuck in the tissue that lines vital organs and protects them. The fibers cause DNA damage and irritation to the mesothelium, which can cause the growth of cancerous cells. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't manifest until decades after exposure.
The symptoms differ based on the type of mesothelioma and the location it is found in the body. Most mesothelioma patients have the lining in their lungs (pleural) but it could also affect the stomach lining and testicles, as well as the heart.
Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The cancer is classified as stage I to stage IV with stages I and II being the most early and the most treatment-able. Stage III and stage IV are the more advanced stages of cancer, and are more difficult to treat. However there are still many options for treatment.
Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type of cancer and affects the lung lining and chest wall as well as the abdomen. In the majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure occurred in the workplace. 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 include a genetic mutation in the family or previous treatment for a different ailment. If you were exposed to asbestos and suffer from mesothelioma symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. You may also benefit from genetic counseling. A mesothelioma expert can assist you in filing a lawsuit against companies that have knowingly used asbestos in everyday products.
