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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers People with a long exposure to asbestos are at risk of developing several kinds of cancers, including mesothelioma. These diseases have a long time of latency, which means that symptoms don't manifest until many years after exposure. The risk of developing pleural or peritoneal msothelioma declines after the first exposure. The evidence is drawn from six occupational cohort studies and two residential cohorts with long-term following. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a cancer of the internal organs' lining that include the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare and 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 most common cause of mesothelioma and the cancer is usually not able to appear until decades after the initial exposure. People exposed to asbestos in the workplace have a higher risk of developing the disease than other. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they adhere to the lining of organs. They irritate the lining of the organs which causes abnormal cells to multiply and develop into tumors. The symptoms usually don't appear until the person is diagnosed with advanced mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure most often is found in industrial settings where workers handled the substance or worked in proximity to it. Asbestos was used in construction, shipbuilding, auto repair and other trades. Veterans who served in military are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma since asbestos was commonly employed on bases and ships. People with a past exposure to asbestos are required to be checked regularly and be alert to any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they can order imaging scans such as CT scans or MRI scans to look for tumors and determine if they've grown. They may also ask about the patient's history of asbestos exposure and carry out an examination. Some cases of mesothelioma are associated with genetic changes, and therefore some patients may benefit from genetic tests. Risk Factors The exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral comprised of fibers, is impervious to heat and is strong. Asbestos is employed in a variety of construction and manufacturing products including insulation, brakes and shingles. When asbestos is disturbed, it produces dust that can be swallowed or inhaled. This can cause irritation to the mesothelium over time which could eventually lead to mesothelioma. People with an occupational history of asbestos exposure are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes those who worked in fields like shipbuilding, mining construction, automotive repair and construction. Veterans of the military are also at risk, since many branches of military used asbestos-based material. Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma include a family history of asbestos exposure and previous radiation therapy to the chest. The type of mesothelioma detected can have a significant impact on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form and typically affects the lung. Other mesothelioma types include testicular, pericardial, and peritoneal. In general mesothelioma is a cancer that increases with the third or fourth power of latency, which is the length of time it takes for a patient to be diagnosed. The rate of pleural cancer is an apparent flattening after 40 years. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma both show this trend as well. Para-occupational asbestos exposure like living near an asbestos plant or eating household products that are contaminated can increase the risk of mesothelioma. In little rock asbestos law firm of six cities, people who were exposed to asbestos in this manner had a higher risk of mesothelioma compared to those who had only occupational exposure. Symptoms The inner organs' linings are affected by malignant mesothelioma. It is most often seen in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also develop in the lining around the testicles or the heart. It is a rare cancer and the majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma work in jobs that required exposure to asbestos. It could take years for mesothelioma-related symptoms to develop, and the disease is not curable. Asbestos is made up of an assortment of minerals that possess microscopic fibers and are impervious to heat, chemicals, and fire. It is extensively employed in a variety of industries, including shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and more. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma as the fibers may get stuck in the tissues of the lining and protecting organs. This causes irritation and damages to cells. This can result in tumors growing and eventually becoming cancerous. The most common mesothelioma form is found in the wall (pleura) of the lungs. It can also start in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or in the membrane surrounding the testicles or heart. Mesothelioma can also spread to lymph nodes, which causes swelling of the lymph nodes. The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma had many years of exposure to asbestos, and are suffering from other illnesses like chronic lung diseases. The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to other illnesses, so it is important to consult a doctor when you notice any persistent or worrying signs and symptoms. Doctors will ask about your asbestos exposure in the past and may conduct physical examination. They may also request imaging scans or blood tests of your abdomen and chest. These tests can detect any fluid or thickening between the lungs and chest wall. Diagnosis When asbestos fibers become stuck to the body, they could cause damage and may eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related cancers can develop in different organs or tissues. Each type of cancer is diagnosed using a different test. Mesothelioma forms in the tissues of the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the heart and reproductive organs. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for a patient to talk with their doctor about their experience with asbestos exposure and what symptoms they've experienced. Doctors will also conduct a physical examination and order tests to assess the health of the lungs. X-rays or CT scans can help doctors understand the affected area more clearly. In some cases doctors will perform a test of pleural fluid to determine if mesothelioma is causing the fluid buildup. Pleural effusions can be an indication of pleural, mixed or peritoneal mesothelioma. The mesothelioma symptoms are often not properly diagnosed, because they are similar to those of other diseases. The most common symptoms are chest pain and breathing problems. Pleural mesothelioma can cause chest tightness, fatigue and a cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma can lead to abdominal pain swelling and distension. Testicular mesothelioma can manifest as a swollen, itchy lump on the testicles. Researchers are studying certain proteins in the blood to find a way to identify mesothelioma earlier in its development. They are also studying a number of other tests and procedures that may enhance the accuracy of diagnostic tests, including mesothelioma scans and MRIs. They are also looking into genetic mutations and how to determine if someone has a mesothelioma-related risk by studying their family history. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Anyone who has worked with asbestos in the past, especially for prolonged periods of time or in high risk jobs like construction, shipbuilding, electrical work, auto repair and military service, are at increased risk. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma when the fibers get stuck in the tissue that lines vital organs and shields them. The fibers cause DNA damage and irritation to the mesothelium which leads to cancerous cell growth. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't manifest until decades after exposure. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ according to the type and location in the body. The majority of mesothelioma patients have a lining in their lungs (pleural) however it may also affect the stomach's lining, the heart and testicles. Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is classified as stage I through IV with stages I and II being the earliest stages that are the most treatment-able. Stage III and stage IV are the last stages of cancer and are more difficult to treat. However, there are still numerous options for treatment. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer and affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall as well as the abdomen. The majority of cases of pleural msothelioma result from asbestos exposure during work. Most likely, asbestos was inhaled through airborne particles or consumed via food. Other risk factors include genetic mutation in the family or previous treatment with radiation for a different disease. If you have been exposed to asbestos and suffer from mesothelioma symptoms, it is crucial to see an expert. Genetic counseling could be beneficial. A mesothelioma specialist can assist you in filing a lawsuit against companies that have used asbestos in a wrong way in everyday products.