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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 long time of latency, which means that symptoms do not manifest for many years after exposure. The risk of developing pleural and peritoneal msothelioma decreases with time after first exposure. Evidence is based on two residential and six occupational cohort studies with 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 is a rare, dangerous disease that typically starts within the lining of the chest cavity. However, it may also affect the lining in the stomach, as well as other parts of your body. Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma, and the cancer is usually not able to show up until decades after the initial exposure. People exposed to asbestos at work have an increased risk of getting the disease than others. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and 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 don't appear until the person is diagnosed with advanced mesothelioma. The majority of asbestos exposure happens in the workplace where workers are exposed to the material or work near it. Asbestos was employed in construction, shipbuilding auto repair, shipbuilding and other trades. Veterans who were in the military are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma due to asbestos because it was commonly used on ships and bases. People who have a history of asbestos exposure need to undergo regular checks and be alert for any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may order imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scans to detect tumors and determine whether they have developed. They can also conduct a physical exam and ask about the patient's asbestos exposure background. Some cases of mesothelioma can be related to genetic changes. So, certain patients could benefit from genetic testing. Risk Factors The exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos, a mineral made up of fibers, is impervious to heat and is strong. Asbestos used to be used in many construction and manufacturing products including insulation, brakes, and shingles. Asbestos dust can be inhaled and swallowed if disturbed. This can cause irritation of the mesothelium over time which may eventually lead to mesothelioma. People with an occupational history of asbestos exposure are at most risk of mesothelioma. This includes those who worked in industries such as mining, shipbuilding construction, automotive repair and construction. Military veterans are also at high risk, since a number of branches of the military used asbestos-based materials. A family history of asbestos or radiation therapy to the chest are additional factors that increase mesothelioma risk. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed also has a major impact on risk. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form and typically affects the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular and peritoneal. In general, the risk of mesothelioma increases with the third or fourth power of latency – which is how long it takes for someone to be diagnosed. However, the incidence of pleural mesothelioma shows a slight flattening approximately 40 years of exposure. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma both exhibit this trend too. People who have a para-occupational exposure to asbestos, like living near to an asbestos plant, or consuming products from the household that are contaminated – are also at increased risk of developing mesothelioma. In a study of six cities, those who were exposed to asbestos in this way were more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who only had occupational exposure. Signs and symptoms The inner organs' linings are affected by malignant mesothelioma. Most often, it is found in the lung lining and abdomen. Mesothelioma can also occur in the heart's lining or testicles. It is a rare type of cancer, and the majority of people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have jobs which exposed them to asbestos. It can take a long time for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest and the condition is not curable. Asbestos is one of the minerals with thin, microscopic fibers that are resistant to heat, chemicals, and fire. lakewood asbestos lawsuit was once widely used in shipbuilding, construction manufacturing, and other industries. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma because the fibers get stuck in tissues that line and protect organs that cause irritation and damage to cells. This can cause tumors to expand and eventually develop into cancerous. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is mesothelioma of the pleural region, which is found in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also begin in the lining around the testicles or heart, or the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also be spread to lymph nodes, causing swelling of the lymph nodes. Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma are victims of asbestos exposure and are also suffering from other ailments like chronic lung disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to those of other conditions, so it is important to visit a doctor if you observe any persisting or alarming signs and symptoms. Doctors will inquire about your previous exposure to asbestos and may conduct an examination. They may also order scans of your blood and imaging of your chest or abdomen. These tests can reveal any thickening or fluid between the lungs and chest wall. Diagnosis Asbestos fibers that become stuck on the body may cause damage, and eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Different kinds of asbestos-related cancer form in various tissues or organs and can be diagnosed with different tests. Mesothelioma forms in the tissues of the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura), the stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the heart and reproductive organs. To diagnose mesothelioma patients must first consult with their physician about the history of asbestos exposure they've had and any symptoms they may be experiencing. Doctors will also conduct a physical examination and order tests to assess the health of the lungs. X-rays or CT scans can aid doctors in identifying the affected area more clearly. In certain instances doctors will perform a pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma or another disease is causing the accumulation of fluid in the lung. Pleural effusions can be a sign of pleural, peritoneal or mixed mesothelioma. The mesothelioma symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed, as they resemble those of other illnesses. The most commonly reported symptoms include difficulty breathing and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma can also cause fatigue, chest tightness and cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause abdominal pain swelling, distension and pain. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a swollen or itchy lump on the testicles. Researchers are studying specific proteins in the blood in the hope of figuring out methods to detect mesothelioma before it becomes a problem. They are also studying several other tests and procedures that can improve the accuracy of diagnosis, such as mesothelioma imaging and MRIs. They are also looking into genetic mutations, and how to determine if someone has a mesothelioma-related risk by taking a look at their family history. Treatment Asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Anyone who has worked with asbestos in the past, especially for long periods of time, or in high-risk jobs such as shipbuilding, electrical work, military and auto repair are at a higher risk. Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma when fibers get stuck in the tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium and cause DNA damage, which leads to cancerous cells. Mesothelioma symptoms typically are not evident until years after exposure. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary according to the type and where it is located in the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) however it may 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 disease is classified as stage I through IV, with stages I and II being the first stages and most treatment-able. Stage III and IV are the more advanced stages of cancer and more difficult to treat, but there are still a variety of treatment options available. The most frequent form of mesothelioma affects the lung linings and chest wall, as well as the abdomen. In the majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure occurred in the workplace. Most likely, asbestos was inhaled through airborne particles or ingested through food. Other risk factors include a family history, genetic mutations, and prior radiation therapy for a different condition. If you were exposed to asbestos and are suffering from mesothelioma symptoms it is crucial to see a doctor. Genetic counseling can also be beneficial. In some cases, a mesothelioma specialist can help you file a lawsuit against companies who incorrectly use asbestos in everyday products.