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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers People who have had an exposure history to asbestos are at risk of developing different types of cancers that include mesothelioma. These diseases have a lengthy time of latency, which means that symptoms do not appear for many years after exposure. The risk of developing pleural and mesothelioma peritoneal diminishes with time since the first exposure. Evidence is based upon 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, including the lung (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare, dangerous disease that typically starts in the lining of the chest cavity. However, it can also affect the lining of the stomach or other parts of your body. Asbestos is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. The cancer is usually not able to appear until decades after exposure. People exposed to asbestos while at work are at higher chances of developing the disease than others. Asbestos fibres can be inhaled or swallowed and bind to the lining of the organ. They can cause irritation to the lining and cause abnormal cells to grow and form tumors. The symptoms usually don't manifest until the patient has advanced mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure most often occurs in jobs in the industrial sector where workers handled the material or were in close proximity to it. Asbestos is used in a variety of trades, including shipbuilding, construction, and auto repair. Veterans who served in the military are at particular risk of developing mesothelioma because asbestos was extensively used on bases and ships. People who have an history of exposure to asbestos should have regular checkups and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may order imaging scans like CT scans or MRI scans to check for tumors and determine if they've grown. They may also ask about the patient's history of exposure to asbestos and conduct an examination. Some cases of mesothelioma are related to genetic changes, so some patients may benefit from genetic tests. Risk Factors Exposure to asbestos is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a substance made up of tiny fibers that are tough and withstand heat. Asbestos was employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction materials, including insulation, brakes, shingles flooring, and more. Asbestos dust can be breathed in and swallowed if disturbed. This can cause irritation to the mesothelium over time which could eventually lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma occurs most often in those with a history of occupational exposure to asbestos. This includes people who have been employed in industries such as mining, shipbuilding and construction, as well as automobile repair. Military veterans are also at risk, as many branches of the military use asbestos-based products. The risk of mesothelioma typically increases with the third or fourth power of latency which is the length of time required to diagnose someone. However, the risk of pleural mesothelioma has a slight flattening about 40 years after exposure. Both pericardial and peritoneal mesothelioma have the same trend. Individuals who have exposure to asbestos - like living close to an asbestos plant, or consuming products that contain asbestos are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. In an investigation of six cities, people who were exposed to asbestos in this way had a higher risk of mesothelioma than those who only had occupational exposure. Symptoms The linings of internal organs are affected by malignant mesothelioma. It is most often seen in the lung lining (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also develop in the lining of the testicles or heart. It is a rare cancer and the majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma work in positions that exposed them to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to appear and the condition is not curable. Asbestos is a class of minerals with tiny microscopically-sized fibers that resist fire, chemicals and heat. It was once widely used in construction, shipbuilding manufacturing, and many other industries. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma because the fibers can get stuck in the tissues of the lining and protecting organs. This causes irritation and damages to cells. This can cause tumors to expand and eventually develop into cancerous. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung's lining (pleura). It may also begin in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or in the membrane surrounding the heart or testicles. Mesothelioma can also spread to lymph nodes, which causes them to swell. Most people diagnosed mesothelioma suffer from a history of asbestos exposure and are also suffering from other ailments like chronic lung disease. Mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, so it is recommended to consult a doctor when any recurring or alarming symptoms persist. Doctors might inquire about asbestos exposure in the past, and then conduct an examination. They may also order scans and blood tests of your abdomen or chest. They can detect any swelling of the lung's lining, or fluid in the space between your lungs as well as the chest wall. Diagnosis Asbestos fibers that are entangled on the body can cause damage and may eventually grow into cancerous tumours. Asbestos-related tumors can grow in different organs or tissues. Each type of cancer is identified by a specific test. Mesothelioma forms in the tissues of 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 for a patient to talk to their doctor about their history of asbestos exposure and the symptoms they've been experiencing. Doctors also conduct a physical examination and order basic tests for example, like blood work to determine how well the lungs function.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed, as they resemble the symptoms of other diseases. The most commonly reported symptoms include difficulty breathing and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma can also cause chest tightness, fatigue and a cough. Peritoneal Mesothelioma may cause abdominal swelling, pain and distension. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a swollen lump that is itchy on the testicles. Researchers are studying specific blood proteins in hopes of developing an approach to detect mesothelioma earlier in its development. They are also looking into various other tests and procedures that can improve diagnostic accuracy, including mesothelioma imaging and MRIs. They are also researching genetic mutations and how to determine if someone is at risk for mesothelioma by looking at their family history. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. People who worked with asbestos in the past, specifically for long periods of time or in high risk jobs like construction, shipbuilding, electrical work military service and auto repair, are at increased risk. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma when fibers get stuck in tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers irritate the mesothelium and cause DNA damage, which leads to cancerous cells. Mesothelioma symptoms typically do not appear until decades after exposure. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on its type and location in the body. The majority of mesothelioma patients have a lining in their lungs (pleural) but it can also affect the stomach lining, heart and testicles. Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is classified as stage I to stage IV, with stages I and II being the earliest and most manageable. Stage III and IV are the later stages of cancer that are more difficult to treat, however there are still a variety of treatment options available. The most common mesothelioma type affects the linings of the lungs and chest wall as well as the abdomen. Most cases of pleural msothelioma are the result of asbestos exposure at work. Most likely, asbestos was inhaled through airborne particles or ingested through food. Other risk factors include family history, genetic mutations, and prior treatment for a different condition. If you were exposed to asbestos and are suffering from mesothelioma symptoms, it is essential to consult your doctor. Genetic counseling may also be beneficial. A mesothelioma expert can help you in filing an action against companies that have knowingly used asbestos in their everyday products. |
