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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers People who have had an exposure history to asbestos are at risk of developing various types of cancer, including mesothelioma. These cancers have a latency period of several decades, which means symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure. The risk of developing pleural and mesothelioma peritoneal diminishes with time since the first exposure. The evidence is based on six occupational and two residential cohort studies that have a long-term follow-up. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, also known as cancer of the inner organs' linings such as the lung (pleural) or abdomen (peritoneal) and the heart (pericardial) is a rare and aggressive disease. It's a rare and deadly disease that most often starts in the lining of the chest cavity, but it could also occur in the stomach's lining or in other areas of the body. Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, and the cancer is usually not able to appear until decades after the initial 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 bind to the organ's lining. The fibers can cause irritation to the lining and cause abnormal cells to multiply, leading to tumors. The symptoms usually don't appear until the patient has advanced mesothelioma. The most frequent exposure to asbestos occurs in industrial jobs where workers handled the material or were in close proximity to it. Asbestos is used in a variety of trades, such as shipbuilding, construction and auto repair. Veterans who were in the military are at greater risk of mesothelioma because asbestos was widely used on ships and bases. People who have an history of exposure to asbestos must have regular checks and be aware of 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 determine whether they've expanded. They can also conduct physical examinations and inquire about a patient's asbestos exposure background. Some cases of mesothelioma can be linked to genetic changes. Thus, certain patients could benefit from genetic tests. Risk Factors Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos, a mineral made up of fibers, is impervious to heat and is strong. Asbestos is employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction materials, such as insulation, brakes and shingles. When asbestos is disturbed it releases dust that could be inhaled or swallowed. This can cause irritation of the mesothelium over time, which could eventually lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have an occupational history of exposure to asbestos. This includes people who have worked in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, mining, as well as automotive repair. Military veterans are also at high risk since many branches of the military used asbestos-based materials. A family history of asbestos and radiation therapy to chest are also factors that increase mesothelioma risk. Additionally, the mesothelioma type diagnosed has a significant impact on the risk. The most prevalent mesothelioma that affects the lungs. Other mesothelioma forms include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. In general mesothelioma, the risk increases with the third to fourth power of latency – which is how long it takes a person to get diagnosed. The incidence of pleural cancer is a slight flattening after 40 years. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma both exhibit this trend too. Exposure to asbestos that is not occupational, such as living near an asbestos plant or eating contaminated household products, can also increase the risk of mesothelioma. In a study of six cities, people who were exposed to asbestos in this manner were more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who were exposed only to occupational exposure. Symptoms Malignant mesothelioma affects the tissue that surrounds internal organs. It is most often found in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma can also develop in the lining around the heart or testicles. It is a rare form of cancer and the majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma work in positions that exposed them to asbestos. It could take years for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest and the disease is not curable. Asbestos is an assortment of minerals that possess tiny fibers that are resistant to chemicals, heat, and fire. It was once widely used in construction, shipbuilding manufacturing, and other industries. Exposure to asbestos may 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 turn into cancerous. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is mesothelioma pleural, which occurs in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also start in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or in the membrane that surrounds the testicles or the heart. Mesothelioma can also spread to lymph nodes, causing swelling of the lymph nodes. Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have an extensive history of exposure to asbestos and are already suffering from other illnesses such as chronic lung disease. Mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to the symptoms of other diseases, so it is recommended to consult a doctor in the event that any worrying or persistent symptoms persist. Doctors will ask you about your previous exposure to asbestos and may also conduct an examination. They may also conduct scans and blood tests of your chest or abdomen. These tests will reveal any signs of thickening or fluid between the lungs and chest wall. Diagnosis Asbestos fibers that are entangled on the body may cause damage, and eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Different types of asbestos-related cancers form in various tissues or organs, and each type can be diagnosed with different tests. Mesothelioma can occur in the linings of the chest cavity, lungs and stomach (peritoneum), or around the heart or reproductive organs. To be able to diagnose mesothelioma the patient must discuss with their doctor the history of asbestos exposure they've had and any symptoms they are experiencing. Doctors will also conduct a physical exam and may order tests of a basic nature like blood tests to determine how well the lungs function. X-rays or CT scans can help doctors see the affected area more clearly. In certain instances doctors may perform a Pleural Fluid Test to determine whether mesothelioma is responsible for the buildup of fluid. The pleural effusion can be a symptom of mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal mesot or a rarer type of mesothelioma called biphasic or mixed mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as the symptoms resemble those of other diseases and conditions. The most frequent symptoms are difficulty breathing and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma can also cause fatigue, chest tightness, and a cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma can lead to abdominal pain swelling and distension. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a painful lump that is itchy on the testicles. Researchers are studying the presence of proteins in the blood to develop ways to identify mesothelioma at an early stage. They are also researching a number other tests and procedures that could improve the accuracy of diagnosis. These include mesothelioma images and MRIs. They are also looking into genetic mutations and how to determine if a person has a mesothelioma-related risk by studying their family history. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. People who have worked with asbestos particularly in high-risk occupations such as construction, electrical work or auto repair, shipbuilding and military service, are at an increased risk. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma. The fibers get stuck in the tissue that lines vital organs and protects them. The fibers irritate the mesothelium and cause DNA damage that can lead to cancerous cells. Mesothelioma symptoms usually do not appear until decades after exposure. The symptoms vary based on the type of mesothelioma as well as the place it develops in the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma), but 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 stages I to IV, with stage I and II being the earliest stages and the most manageable. Stage III and stage IV are the later stages of cancer, and are more difficult to treat. However there are many options to treat. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common form of the disease that affects the lung lining and chest wall as well as the abdomen. In most cases of pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure happened in the workplace. sacramento asbestos lawyer is most likely because of breathing in airborne asbestos particles or ingestion of the toxic substance through the food chain. Other risk factors include mesothelioma-related family history, genetic mutations and previous radiation therapy for another condition. If you were exposed to asbestos and suffer from mesothelioma symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. Genetic counseling can also be beneficial. A mesothelioma expert can assist you in filing an action against companies that have knowingly used asbestos in their everyday products.