Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers
People who have an exposure history to asbestos are at risk of developing several types of cancer that include mesothelioma. These cancers have a long time of latency, which means that symptoms do not appear for decades after exposure.
The risk of developing pleural or mesothelioma of the peritoneal region decreases since the first exposure. The evidence is based on two residential and six occupational cohort studies that have a long-term follow-up.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of internal organs that include the lung (pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare and aggressive disease that usually begins in the lining of the chest cavity. However, it may also affect the lining of the stomach or other parts of your body. Asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. The cancer is usually not able to show up until decades after exposure.
The people who are exposed asbestos in the workplace are at an increased chance of developing cancer than others. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they adhere to the lining of organs. The fibers cause irritation to the lining and cause abnormal cells to grow, forming tumors. The signs usually don't show until a person has developed advanced mesothelioma.
The most frequent exposure to asbestos occurs in industrial settings, where workers handle the substance or work close to it. Asbestos was used in shipbuilding, construction auto repair, shipbuilding and other trades. Veterans who were in the military are at greater risk of mesothelioma because asbestos was commonly employed on bases and ships.
Anyone with an history of exposure to asbestos should be screened regularly and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma they could order imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scans to look for the tumors and determine if they have developed. They can also inquire about the patient's past history of asbestos exposure and perform a physical examination. Some cases of mesothelioma can be caused by 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 resistant to heat and is strong. Asbestos was employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction materials, such as insulation, brakes and shingles. When asbestos is disturbed, it creates dust that may be swallowed or inhaled. This can cause irritation to the mesothelium over time which may eventually lead to mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma occurs most often for those with a history of occupational exposure to asbestos. This includes those who worked in industries such as mining, shipbuilding, construction and automotive repair. Military veterans are also at high risk, since a number of branches of the military use asbestos-based materials.
A family history of asbestos and radiation therapy for chest cancer are other factors that can increase the risk of mesothelioma. In addition the mesothelioma type diagnosed has significant effects on the risk. The most prevalent mesothelioma type is one that affects the lung. Other forms of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial and testicular.
In general mesothelioma, the risk increases with the third to fourth power of latency, which is the length of time it takes a person to be diagnosed. However, the incidence of pleural mesothelioma exhibits an apparent flattening after around 40 years after exposure. Both peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma exhibit the same pattern. Exposure to asbestos that is not occupational like living near an asbestos plant or eating household products that are contaminated can increase the risk of mesothelioma. One study of six cities showed that those with this kind of exposure had a higher mesothelioma rate than those who had only occupational exposure.
Symptoms
The internal organs' linings are affected by malignant mesothelioma. Most often, it is found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma can also develop in the lining around the testicles or heart. It is a rare cancer and the majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma worked in jobs that required exposure to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma could be delayed for years before they appear, and the condition is not curable.
Asbestos is an assortment of minerals that possess tiny fibers that are resistant to chemicals, heat, and fire. It was widely used in many industries, including shipbuilding manufacturing, construction and more. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma because the fibers get stuck in the tissues that line and protect organs, causing irritation and damaging cells. This can lead to tumors growing and eventually becoming cancerous.
The most common mesothelioma form is found in the wall (pleura) of the lung. It may also start in the lining of the testicles or the heart, or in the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also spread to lymph nodes, causing them to swell.
Most people diagnosed mesothelioma suffer from a history of exposure to asbestos and are also suffering from other ailments like chronic lung disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to other illnesses and it is therefore important to consult a doctor when you notice any persisting or alarming signs and symptoms. Doctors will inquire about your past asbestos exposure and may conduct an examination. They may also conduct scans of your blood and imaging of your chest or abdomen. These tests will reveal any fluid or thickening between the lungs and the chest wall.
Diagnosis
Asbestos fibers that become stuck on the body may cause damage and may eventually grow into cancerous tumours. Asbestos-related cancers can form in a variety of organs and tissues. Each type of cancer is diagnosed using a different test. Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of the chest cavity, lungs, stomach (peritoneum) or around the heart or reproductive organs.
To diagnose mesothelioma the patient must 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 request basic tests, such as blood work 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 will use an pleural effusion test in order to determine if mesothelioma or a different disease is causing fluid accumulation in the lungs. The pleural effusion may be a sign of mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal mesot or a rarer type of mesothelioma referred to as biphasic or mixed mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as the symptoms resemble those of other diseases and conditions. The most commonly reported symptoms are difficulty breathing and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma may also cause a cough, chest tightness and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain swelling, distension and pain. Testicular mesothelioma can manifest as a painful or itchy lump in the testicles.
Researchers are studying the proteins in blood to find a way of identifying mesothelioma at an early stage. They are also studying various other tests and procedures that can improve the accuracy of diagnosis, such as mesothelioma imaging and MRIs. They are also researching genetic mutations and how to determine if a person is at risk of developing mesothelioma by looking at 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 service and auto repair are at a higher risk.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma when the fibers get stuck in the tissue that connects 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 generally are not evident until years after exposure.
The symptoms differ based on the type of mesothelioma and where it is found within the body. The majority of patients with mesothelioma have the lining in their lungs (pleural) but it can also affect the stomach lining and testicles, as well as the heart.
Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is classified as stage I to IV with stage I and II being the first stages that are the most treatment-able. Stage III and stage IV are the later stages of cancer and are more difficult to treat. However there are still many options for treatment.
high point asbestos lawsuit of mesothelioma affects the lung linings and chest wall, as well as the abdomen. Most cases of pleural msothelioma result from asbestos exposure at work. Most likely asbestos was inhaled through airborne particles or consumed via food.
Other risk factors are a family history, genetic mutations or prior treatment for a different condition. It is important to consult an expert if you experience symptoms of mesothelioma, and were exposed to asbestos. Genetic counseling could be beneficial. In some cases, a mesothelioma specialist can assist you in filing a lawsuit against companies who have knowingly used asbestos in their everyday products.