Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers
People who have an exposure history to asbestos are at risk for different types of cancers that include mesothelioma. These cancers have a latency time of several years, meaning that symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure.
The risk of pleural or peritoneal msothelioma decreases with time after the first exposure. The evidence is based on two residential and six occupational cohort studies with long-term follow-up.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the internal organs’ lining which include the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare and severe disease that typically begins within the lining of the chest cavity. However, it could also affect the lining of the stomach or other parts of your body. Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. The cancer usually doesn’t appear until decades after exposure.
The people who are exposed asbestos at work have a greater risk of developing cancer than others. Asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, and they adhere to the lining of organs. The fibers irritate the lining of the organ and cause abnormal cells to grow, creating tumors. The symptoms usually do not show until someone has mesothelioma that is advanced.
Exposure to asbestos compensation most often is found in industrial settings where workers handled the material or worked in proximity to it. Asbestos is used in many trades, such as shipbuilding, construction and auto repair. Veterans who served in military are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma due to asbestos because it was widely used on ships and bases.
People who have a history of asbestos exposure need to have regular checkups and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma, they can conduct imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scans to check for tumors and determine if they have spread. They may also perform physical examinations and inquire about the patient’s asbestos exposure background. Certain cases of mesothelioma may be related to genetic changes. Therefore, some patients could benefit from genetic tests.
Risk Factors
Exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral comprised of fibers, is impervious to heat and is strong. Asbestos used to be utilized in a variety of manufacturing and construction products, including insulation, brakes, and shingles. Asbestos dust can be breathed in and swallowed when disturbed. This can cause irritation of the mesothelium over time, which can eventually lead to mesothelioma.
People who have a history of occupational asbestos exposure are at the most risk of mesothelioma. This includes those who worked in industries like mining, shipbuilding and construction as well as in auto repair. Veterans of the military are also at risk, since many branches of service used asbestos-based material.
A family history of asbestos and radiation therapy to the chest are other factors that can increase the risk of mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed has a significant impact on risk. The most common mesothelioma that is one that affects the lungs. Other mesothelioma forms include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal.
In general mesothelioma, the risk increases with the third or fourth power of latency, which is how long it takes for someone to get diagnosed. However, the incidence of pleural mesothelioma exhibits an apparent flattening after around 40 years after exposure. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma have the same trend. Individuals who have exposure to asbestos, such as living near to an asbestos plant or eating products from the household that are contaminated are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. One study of six cities revealed that those with this type of exposure had a higher mesothelioma rate than those with only occupational exposure.
Symptoms
Malignant mesothelioma can affect the tissue that surrounds internal organs. Most commonly, it occurs in the lung lining and abdomen. Mesothelioma can also be found in the lining of the heart or testicles. It is a rare type of cancer. The majority people diagnosed with mesothelioma were employed in jobs that exposed them to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma could take years to appear, and the condition is not curable.
Asbestos is one of the minerals that have thin microscopically sized fibers that are resistant to heat, chemicals, and fire. It was once widely used in shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and many 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 cells. This can cause tumors to start growing and eventually becoming cancerous.
The most common form of mesothelioma occurs in the tissue (pleura) of the lung. It may also begin in the abdomen’s lining (peritoneum) or in the membrane that surrounds the testicles or the heart. Mesothelioma can also spread to lymph nodes, which causes them to swell.
Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who have a long history of exposure to asbestos, and are suffering from other illnesses such as chronic lung disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other conditions, so it is important to visit a doctor if you observe any warning signs or symptoms. Doctors will inquire about your past asbestos exposure and may conduct an examination. They may also order scans of your blood and imaging of your abdomen or chest. These tests can detect any fluid or thickening between the lungs and the chest wall.
Diagnosis
If asbestos legal fibers get stuck to the body, they could cause damage and could eventually turn into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related tumors can grow in different organs or tissues. Each type of cancer can be diagnosed with a different test. Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of the chest cavity, lungs and stomach (peritoneum), or around the reproductive organs or the heart.
To be able to diagnose mesothelioma, a patient must first discuss with their doctor the history of asbestos exposure they’ve had and any symptoms they are experiencing. Doctors can also conduct an examination of the body and order tests to determine the health of the lung.
X-rays and CT scans help doctors get a clearer picture of the affected area. In certain instances doctors may use a pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma or another disease is causing fluid buildup in the lung. Pleural effusions could be a sign of pleural, mixed or peritoneal mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms resemble other diseases and conditions. The most common symptoms are chest pain and breathing difficulties. Pleural mesothelioma may cause chest tightness, fatigue and a cough. Peritoneal Mesothelioma can cause abdominal swelling, pain, and distension. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a swollen, itchy lump on the testicles.
Researchers are studying the 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 scans and MRIs. They are also studying genetic mutations and how to determine if a person is at risk of developing mesothelioma by examining their family history.
Treatment
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. People who have worked with asbestos in the past, particularly for long periods of time or in high risk jobs such as construction, shipbuilding, electrical work military and auto repair are at a higher risk.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma, when fibers become stuck in the tissue that connects vital organs and protects them. The mesothelium is irritated by the asbestos fibers and cause DNA damage that can lead to cancerous cells. Mesothelioma symptoms typically are not evident until years after exposure.
The symptoms of mesothelioma differ according to the type and location within the body. Most mesothelioma patients have the lining in their lungs (pleural) however it may also affect the linings of the stomach and testicles, as well as the heart.
Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is classified as stages I to IV, with stages I and II being the first stages 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 numerous options for treatment.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent type of cancer and affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall as well as the abdomen. The majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma are the result of asbestos exposure during work. Most likely, asbestos case was inhaled through airborne particles or consumed via food.
Other risk factors include a genetic mutation in the family, and prior treatment with radiation for a different disease. It is essential to speak with your doctor if you exhibit symptoms of mesothelioma or have been exposed to asbestos. Genetic counseling may also be beneficial. In some instances, a mesothelioma specialist can help you file a lawsuit against companies who wrongfully put asbestos in everyday products.