Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have a history of exposure to asbestos are at risk of developing various types of cancer that include mesothelioma. These diseases have a time-of-resistance of many years, meaning that symptoms may not be evident until decades after exposure.

The risk of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma declines with time since the first exposure. The evidence is drawn from six cohort studies of occupational exposure and two residential cohorts that have long-term follow-up.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma refers to cancer of the inner organs' linings that include the lung (pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare, severe disease that typically begins in the lining of the chest cavity. However, it could also affect the lining of the stomach, as well as other parts of your body. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, and the cancer is usually not able to show up until decades after the initial exposure.

The people who are exposed asbestos in the workplace have a greater risk of developing cancer than other. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and stick to the lining of the organ. The fibers can cause irritation to the lining and cause abnormal cells to multiply, leading to tumors. The symptoms usually do not show until someone has advanced mesothelioma.

The majority of asbestos exposure happens in industrial jobs in which workers handle the material or work near it. Asbestos is used in a variety of trades, such as shipbuilding, construction, and auto repair. Veterans who were in the military are at particular risk for mesothelioma, as asbestos was widely used on bases and ships.

People who have a exposure to asbestos need to be checked regularly, and should be aware of any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may conduct imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scans to look for the tumors and determine if they have spread. They may also perform physical examinations and inquire about a patient's exposure to asbestos history. Some cases of mesothelioma are linked to genetic changes, so certain patients could benefit from genetic tests.

Risk Factors

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a mineral made up of fibers, is impervious to heat and is strong. asbestos compensation was once employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction products including insulation, brakes, shingles flooring, and more. Asbestos dust is inhaled and swallowed when it is disturbed. As time passes, this could lead to irritation of the mesothelium, which may eventually develop into mesothelioma.

People who have had an history of occupational asbestos exposure are at greatest risk for mesothelioma. This includes people who worked in fields like shipbuilding, mining, construction and automotive repair. Veterans of the military are also at high risk, as many branches of the military use asbestos-based materials.

Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma is the family history of asbestos exposure and previous treatment for chest cancer with radiation. In addition, the type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed has significant effects on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma is 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 to fourth power of latency - which is how long it takes a person to be diagnosed. However, the risk of pleural mesothelioma has an apparent flattening after approximately 40 years of exposure. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma both show this trend as well. Those who have para-occupational exposure to asbestos - such as living close to an asbestos plant, or consuming products from the household that are contaminated are also at a higher risk for mesothelioma. A study of six cities revealed that those who had this type of exposure were at a higher mesothelioma risk than those who had only occupational exposure.

Signs and symptoms

Malignant mesothelioma affects the tissue linings surrounding internal organs. Most often, it is found in the lung linings and the abdomen. Mesothelioma can also form in the lining of the testicles or the heart. It is a rare cancer and the majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma worked in jobs that required exposure to asbestos. It could take years for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest and the disease is not curable.

Asbestos is a group minerals that have microscopic fibers and are resistant to chemicals, heat, and fire. It is widely used in many industries, including shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and more. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma because the fibers get stuck in the tissues that line and protect organs which causes irritation and damage to cells. This can cause tumors to start expanding and eventually becoming cancerous.

The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also begin in the lining of the testicles or the heart or in the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also spread to the lymph nodes, causing them to swell.

The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who have a long history of exposure to asbestos and are suffering from other illnesses like chronic lung disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other conditions, so it is important to consult a doctor when you observe any persistent or worrying signs and symptoms. Doctors will ask about your previous exposure to asbestos and may conduct a physical examination. They may also order blood tests and imaging scans of your chest or abdomen. These tests can detect any thickening or fluid between the lungs and the chest wall.

Diagnosis

When asbestos fibers become stuck to the body, they may cause harm and eventually turn into cancerous tumors. Different kinds of asbestos-related cancers develop in various organs or tissues, and each type can be diagnosed with different tests. Mesothelioma forms in the tissue lining the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura), the stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the reproductive organs and the heart.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to talk to their doctor about their history of asbestos exposure and the symptoms they've been experiencing. Doctors will also conduct a physical exam and order basic tests like blood tests to determine how well the lungs function.

X-rays or CT scans can aid doctors in identifying the affected area more clearly. In some cases doctors may use an pleural effusion test in order to determine if mesothelioma or another disease is causing the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. The pleural effusion can be a symptom of pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma or a rarer type of mesothelioma referred to as biphasic or mixed mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms resemble those of other diseases and conditions. The most common symptoms are breathing difficulties and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma is also a cause of a cough, chest tightness and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause abdominal discomfort swelling, distension and pain. Testicular mesothelioma can manifest as a painful or itchy lump on the testicles.

Researchers are studying the presence of certain proteins in the blood to find an approach to detect mesothelioma earlier in its development. They are also looking into various 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 whether a person is at risk for mesothelioma by examining their family history.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma. People who have worked with asbestos compensation 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 can cause mesothelioma as fibers become stuck in the 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 don't manifest until decades after exposure.

Symptoms differ depending on the type of mesothelioma and where it develops in the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve the lung lining (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 disease is classified as stage I through stage IV, with stages I and II being the most early and the most treatable. Stage III and stage IV are the last stages of cancer, and are more difficult to treat. However, there are still many options for treatment.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent form of the disease that affects the lung lining, chest wall and abdomen. In the majority of 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 a family history of mesothelioma, genetic mutations, and previous radiation therapy for another condition. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have mesothelioma symptoms, it is essential to consult your doctor. You may also benefit from genetic counseling. In certain instances, a mesothelioma specialist can help you file a lawsuit against companies that incorrectly use asbestos legal in everyday products.