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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers People with a history of exposure to asbestos are at risk for different types of cancers that include mesothelioma. These diseases have a time-of-resistance of several decades, which means that symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure. The risk of developing pleural or peritoneal msothelioma decreases with time after first exposure. Evidence is based upon six occupational and two residential cohort studies with long-term follow-up. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of internal organs that include the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare and dangerous disease that typically starts within the lining of the chest cavity. However, it may also affect the lining in the stomach and other areas of your body. Asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. The cancer typically doesn't appear until decades after exposure. People who are exposed to asbestos at work have an increased risk of getting the disease than others. Asbestos fibres can be inhaled or swallowed and adhere to the organ's lining. They can cause irritation to the lining which causes abnormal cells to multiply and develop into tumors. The symptoms usually don't appear until a person has advanced mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure most often occurs in jobs in the industrial sector where workers handled the substance or were in close proximity to it. Asbestos is used in many trades, including shipbuilding, construction and auto repair. Veterans who served in the military are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma since asbestos was widely used on ships and bases. People with a past history of asbestos exposure need to have regular checkups and be alert for any unusual symptoms. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may order imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scans to look for the tumors and determine if they have expanded. They can also inquire about the patient's past history of asbestos exposure and carry out a physical examination. Some cases of mesothelioma can be related to genetic changes. So, certain patients could benefit from genetic tests. Risk Factors The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos, a mineral composed of fibers, is resistant to heat and has a strong. Asbestos was once employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction products, including insulation, brakes and shingles flooring, and more. Asbestos dust can be inhaled and swallowed if disturbed. This can cause irritation of the mesothelium over time which could eventually lead to mesothelioma. People who have had an history of occupational asbestos exposure are at highest risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes those who have worked in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, mining and automobile repair. Veterans of the military are also at risk, because many branches of the military employed asbestos-based materials. A family history of asbestos or radiation therapy to chest are also factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma. The type of mesothelioma diagnosed can have a significant impact on the risk. Laredo asbestos lawsuits is the most frequent type and usually affects the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pericardial and testicular. In general mesothelioma, the risk increases with the third or fourth power of latency – which is the time it takes a person to be diagnosed. However, the incidence of pleural mesothelioma exhibits an apparent flattening after about 40 years after exposure. Both pericardial and peritoneal mesothelioma show the same trend. Para-occupational asbestos exposure which includes living near an asbestos plant or eating contaminated household products can increase the risk of mesothelioma. One study of six cities found that those with this type of exposure had a greater mesothelioma danger than those with only occupational exposure. Signs and symptoms Malignant mesothelioma affects the cellular that surrounds internal organs. It is most often found in the lung linings and the abdomen. Mesothelioma can also be found in the heart's lining or testicles. It is a rare type of cancer, and the majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have jobs which exposed them to asbestos. It can take a long time for mesothelioma symptoms to develop, and the disease is not curable. Asbestos is made up of a group of minerals that have tiny fibers that are resistant to chemicals, heat, and fire. It was once widely used in shipbuilding, construction manufacturing, and many other industries. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma as the fibers get stuck in tissues that line organs and protect them, causing irritation and damaging cells. This can lead to tumors developing and eventually turning cancerous. The most frequent type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma pleural, which occurs in the lung's lining (pleura). It may also begin in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or within the membrane that surrounds the testicles or heart. Mesothelioma can also spread to lymph nodes, which causes them to expand. Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma have a history of exposure to asbestos and suffer from other illnesses like chronic pulmonary disease. Mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and you should consult a doctor if any persistent or worrying symptoms persist. Doctors can inquire about asbestos exposure in the past and perform a physical exam. They may also order scans of your blood and imaging of your chest or abdomen. These tests can detect any signs of thickening or fluid between the lungs and the chest wall. Diagnosis Asbestos fibers that get stuck on the body may cause damage, and eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related cancers can develop in a variety of organs and tissues. Each type of cancer can be identified by a specific test. Mesothelioma develops in the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the heart and reproductive organs. To diagnose mesothelioma patients must first discuss with their doctor the history of exposure to asbestos they've experienced and any signs they are experiencing. Doctors can also conduct a physical examination and order tests to determine the health of the lung. X-rays or CT scans can help doctors see the affected area more clearly. In certain instances doctors will perform an pleural effusion test in order to determine if mesothelioma or another disease is causing the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Pleural effusions could be an indication of pleural mixed or peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed due to the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and conditions. The most frequent symptoms are chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pleural mesothelioma may also cause fatigue, chest tightness, and a cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause abdominal pain swelling, distension and pain. Testicular mesothelioma can manifest as a swollen itchy lump on the testicles. Researchers are studying the presence of certain blood-borne proteins in the hope of figuring out an approach to detect mesothelioma before it becomes a problem. They are also investigating a number other tests and procedures that could improve the accuracy of diagnosis. They are looking at mesothelioma imaging and MRIs. They are also studying genetic mutations and ways to determine whether a person is at risk for mesothelioma through analyzing 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 shipbuilding, electrical work, auto repair and military service are at greater risk. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, when fibers become stuck in the tissue that lines vital organs and shields them. The fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium and cause DNA damage that leads to cancerous cells. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until years after exposure. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the type and where it is located in the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however it may also occur in the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The cancer is classified as stage I through stage IV, with stages I and II being early and most treatment-able. Stage III and stage IV are the more advanced stages of cancer and are more difficult to treat. However, there are still many options to treat. Pleural mesothelioma is the most frequent form of the disease that affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall, as well as the abdomen. The majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure during work. Most likely, asbestos was inhaled through airborne particles or ingested through food items. Other risk factors include a family history, genetic mutations, and prior treatment with radiation for a different ailment. It is important to consult an expert if you experience symptoms of mesothelioma and were exposed to asbestos. Genetic counseling may also be beneficial. A mesothelioma specialist can assist you in filing an action against companies that have used asbestos in a wrong way in everyday products.