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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers People who have had previous exposure to asbestos are at risk for different types of cancers that include mesothelioma. These cancers have a latency period of several decades, which means that symptoms might not manifest until years after exposure. The risk of developing pleural and mesothelioma peritoneal diminishes with time since first exposure. The evidence is based on six occupationally and two residential cohort studies with long-term follow-up. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma or cancer of the inner organs' linings like the lungs (pleural) or abdomen (peritoneal) and the heart (pericardial) is a rare but aggressive disease. It is a rare and aggressive disease that usually begins within the lining of the chest cavity. However, it may also affect the lining of the stomach or other parts of your body. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma and the cancer usually doesn't develop until a long time after the initial exposure. Workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace have higher chances of developing the disease than others. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and adhere to the organ's lining. They can cause irritation to the lining which causes abnormal cells to grow and forming tumors. The symptoms usually don't appear until a person has advanced mesothelioma. Most asbestos exposure occurs in industrial settings, where workers handle the substance or work close to it. Asbestos is used in many trades, including shipbuilding, construction and auto repair. Veterans who served in the military are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma since asbestos was extensively used on ships and bases. People with a past exposure to asbestos are required to undergo regular checks and be alert to any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they can request imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI or PET scans to look for the tumors and see whether they have expanded. They can also conduct a physical exam and ask about the patient's asbestos exposure history. Some mesothelioma cases are linked to genetic changes, so some patients might benefit from genetic testing. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a substance made of tiny fibers that are durable and resistant to heat. Asbestos was used in many construction and manufacturing products including insulation, brakes and shingles. Asbestos dust can be breathed in and swallowed when it is disturbed. As time passes, this could cause irritation of the mesothelium, which could eventually lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is more prevalent for those with an occupational history of exposure to asbestos. This includes people who have worked in industries like mining, shipbuilding and construction as well as in automotive repair. Veterans of the military are also at risk since many branches of service used asbestos-based material. A family history of asbestos or radiation therapy to the chest are also factors that increase mesothelioma risk. The type of mesothelioma diagnosed can have a significant impact on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent type and usually affects the lung. Other mesothelioma types include peritoneal, pericardial and testicular. The risk of mesothelioma generally increases with the third or fourth power of latency which is the amount of time it takes to identify someone. The incidence of pleural cancer is an apparent flattening after 40 years. Both pericardial and peritoneal mesothelioma have the same trend. Para-occupational asbestos exposure which includes living near an asbestos plant or eating contaminated household products can also increase the risk of mesothelioma. One study of six cities showed that those who had this type of exposure had a greater mesothelioma risk than those with only occupational exposure. Signs and symptoms Malignant mesothelioma affects the tissue linings surrounding internal organs. Most commonly, it occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. Mesothelioma can also form in the lining of the testicles or heart. It is a rare cancer and the majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have worked in jobs that required exposure to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest and the condition is not curable. Asbestos is made up of a group of minerals that have microscopic fibers and are impervious to heat, chemicals and fire. It is widely used in many industries, including shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and more. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma as the fibers get stuck in the tissues that line and protect organs, causing irritation and damaging cells. This can cause tumors to expand and eventually develop into cancerous. The most prevalent mesothelioma type is found in the tissue (pleura) of the lungs. It can also begin in the lining that surrounds the heart or testicles, or in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Mesothelioma may also expand to lymph nodes and cause them to swell. Most people diagnosed mesothelioma suffer from a history of exposure to asbestos and also suffer from other diseases, such as chronic lung disease. Mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to the symptoms of other diseases, and you should consult a doctor if any persistent or worrying symptoms persist. Doctors can inquire about asbestos exposure in the past, and then conduct a physical exam. They can also order scans of your body or blood tests of your chest and abdomen. These tests can detect any thickening or fluid between the lungs and the chest wall. Diagnosis Asbestos fibers that are entangled on the body may cause damage and may eventually grow into cancerous tumours. Asbestos-related cancers can form in different organs or tissues. Each type of cancer is diagnosed with a different test. Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of the chest cavity, lungs, stomach (peritoneum) or around the heart or reproductive organs. To diagnose mesothelioma, a patient must first speak to their doctor about the history of exposure to asbestos they've suffered and any symptoms they are experiencing. Doctors will also conduct a physical examination and may order tests of a basic nature like blood tests to determine how well the lungs are working. X-rays or CT scans can aid doctors in identifying the affected area more clearly. In some cases doctors will perform a pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma or another disease is causing fluid accumulation in the lung. Pleural effusions may be a sign of pleural, peritoneal or mixed mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as the symptoms resemble other diseases and conditions. The most commonly reported symptoms include difficulty breathing and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma may also cause chest tightness, fatigue, and a cough. Peritoneal Mesothelioma could cause abdominal swelling, pain, and distension. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a painful, itchy lump on the testicles. Researchers are studying proteins in blood to find methods to detect mesothelioma at an early stage. They are also investigating a number other tests and procedures which could improve the accuracy of diagnosis. This includes mesothelioma scans and MRIs. They are also researching genetic mutations and how to determine if someone is at risk for mesothelioma by examining their family history. Treatment Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos, particularly in high-risk jobs such as electrical work, construction or auto repair, shipbuilding and military service, are at an increased risk. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma. 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 cancerous cells to grow. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't manifest until decades after exposure. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ according to the type and where it is located in 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 to stage IV, with stages I and II being early and the most treatment-able. palm bay asbestos lawyer 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, the most prevalent form of the disease and 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 through airborne particles or consumed via food. Other risk factors include mesothelioma-related family history, genetic mutations, and previous radiation therapy for another disease. If you've been exposed to asbestos and are suffering from mesothelioma symptoms, it is crucial to see an expert. You may also benefit from genetic counseling. A mesothelioma expert can help you in filing an action against companies that have wrongfully used asbestos in everyday products.