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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers People who have a long history of asbestos exposure are at risk of developing a variety of types of cancers, including mesothelioma. These cancers have a latency period of several decades, which means that symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure. The risk of pleural and mesothelioma peritoneal diminishes with time since first exposure. The evidence is drawn from six occupational cohort studies and two residential cohorts that have long-term follow-up. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma, or cancer of the internal organs' linings, like the lung (pleural) or abdomen (peritoneal) and the heart (pericardial), is a rare and invasive disease. It's a rare and aggressive disease that typically begins in the lining of the chest cavity, but it may be found in the lining of the stomach or other parts of the body. Asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. The cancer typically doesn't show up until decades after exposure. People exposed to asbestos while at work are at higher chances of getting the disease than others. Asbestos fibres can be swallowed or inhaled and adhere to the lining of the organ. The fibers can cause irritation to the lining and cause abnormal cells to grow, creating tumors. The symptoms typically don't show until a person has advanced mesothelioma. The most frequent exposure to asbestos occurs in industrial settings in which 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 developing mesothelioma due to asbestos because it was widely used on ships and bases. People with a past history of asbestos exposure need to be checked regularly, and should be aware of any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may order imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scans to check for tumors and determine whether they have expanded. They can also conduct physical examinations and inquire about a patient's exposure to asbestos background. Some cases of mesothelioma are linked to genetic changes, which means that some patients may benefit from genetic testing. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral made by tiny fibers which are strong and resistant to heat. Asbestos is employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction materials, such as insulation, brakes and shingles. Asbestos dust can be breathed in and swallowed when disturbed. Over time, this can lead to irritation of the mesothelium which may eventually develop into mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most common in those with an occupational history of exposure to asbestos. san francisco asbestos attorney includes those who been employed in industries such as mining, shipbuilding and construction as well as in auto repair. Veterans of the military are also at risk, because many branches of the military employed asbestos-based materials. Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma are the family history of asbestos exposure as well as prior treatment with radiation to the chest. Additionally, the type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed has an impact on the risk. The most frequent type of mesothelioma is one that affects the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. In general mesothelioma is a cancer that increases with the third to fourth power of latency, which is how long it takes for a patient to be diagnosed. The rate of pleural cancer has an increase in incidence after 40 years. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma show the same trend. Para-occupational asbestos exposure which includes living near an asbestos plant or consuming household products that are contaminated, can also increase the risk of mesothelioma. One study of six cities found that those with this kind of exposure had a greater mesothelioma risk than those who only had occupational exposure. Signs and symptoms Malignant mesothelioma affects the cellular linings surrounding internal organs. Most often, it is found in the lung lining and abdomen. Mesothelioma can also occur in the lining of the testicles or the heart. It is a rare form of cancer, and most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have jobs where they were exposed to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma could take years to manifest and the disease is not curable. Asbestos is made up of an assortment of minerals that possess microscopic fibers and are resistant to heat, chemicals and fire. It was previously widely used in shipbuilding, construction manufacturing, and many other industries. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma because the fibers may get stuck in the tissues that line and protect organs. This causes irritation and damages to cells. This can cause tumors to start growing and eventually becoming cancerous. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is mesothelioma pleural, which occurs in the lung's lining (pleura). It can also start in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or in the membrane that surrounds the testicles or heart. Mesothelioma can also spread to the lymph nodes, causing swelling of the lymph nodes. Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who have a long history of exposure to asbestos and are already suffering from other illnesses like chronic lung diseases. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other conditions, so it is important to visit a doctor if you notice any persisting or alarming signs and symptoms. Doctors can inquire about asbestos exposure in the past and conduct a physical exam. They can also request scans of your blood and imaging of your abdomen or chest. These can identify any thickening of the lung's lining, or the fluid that is leaking out of the space between your lungs and the chest wall. Diagnosis Asbestos fibers that get stuck on the body may cause damage and can eventually turn into cancerous tumours. Asbestos-related cancers can develop in different organs or tissues. Each type of cancer is diagnosed with a different test. Mesothelioma is found in the tissue lining the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura) and stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the reproductive organs and the heart. To determine if mesothelioma is a cancer the patient must consult with their physician about the history of exposure to asbestos they've had and any symptoms they may be experiencing. Doctors also conduct a physical examination and may order tests of a basic nature like blood tests to determine how well the lungs are working. X-rays or CT scans can aid doctors in identifying the affected area more clearly. In certain instances, doctors use a pleural fluid test to determine if mesothelioma is causing the fluid buildup. Pleural effusions may be an indication of pleural peritoneal or mixed mesothelioma. The mesothelioma symptoms are frequently incorrectly diagnosed, since they resemble those of other diseases. The most commonly reported symptoms are difficulty breathing and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma could also cause chest tightness, fatigue and cough. Peritoneal Mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, swelling, and distension. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a swollen, itchy lump on the testicles. Researchers are studying certain proteins in the blood to find a way to identify mesothelioma early on. They are also researching a number other tests and procedures that can improve diagnostic accuracy. They are looking at mesothelioma imaging and MRIs. They are also researching genetic mutations and how to determine if someone has a mesothelioma-related risk by looking at their family background. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. People who worked with asbestos in the past, especially for prolonged 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 can trigger mesothelioma, when fibers become 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 cells to grow. The signs of mesothelioma generally are not evident for a long time after exposure. The symptoms vary based on the type of mesothelioma and the location it develops in the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can also be found in the lining of the stomach (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 earliest and the most treatment-able. Stage III and IV are the more advanced stages of the cancer and more difficult to treat, but there are still many treatment options available. The most prevalent form 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. It was most likely due to breathing in airborne asbestos particles or ingesting the cancerous substance through the food chain. Other risk factors are a family history, genetic mutations or prior treatment for a different ailment. It is important to consult your doctor if you exhibit symptoms of mesothelioma, and were exposed to asbestos. You could also benefit from genetic counseling. In certain instances mesothelioma experts can help you file a lawsuit against companies that wrongfully put asbestos in everyday products.