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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers People who have a history of exposure to asbestos are at risk of developing a variety of types of cancers, such as mesothelioma. These cancers have a time-of-resistance of many decades, which means symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure. The risk of developing pleural and peritoneal msothelioma declines after the first exposure. Evidence is based upon six occupationally and two residential cohort studies with long-term follow-up. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma refers to cancer of the lining of internal organs that include the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It's a rare, aggressive disease that typically begins in the chest's lining cavity, but it can also occur in the stomach's lining or in other parts of the body. Asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. The cancer usually doesn't appear until decades after exposure. Those who are exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at an increased chance of developing cancer than other. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or swallowed and cling to the lining of organs. The fibers can cause irritation to the lining of the organ and cause abnormal cells to grow, forming tumors. Symptoms usually do not appear until a person has developed mesothelioma that is advanced. Most asbestos exposure occurs in the workplace, where workers handle the substance or work close to it. Asbestos was employed in construction, shipbuilding auto repair, shipbuilding and other trades. Veterans who served in the military are at higher chance of developing mesothelioma since asbestos was extensively used on ships and bases. People who have a history of asbestos exposure should be screened regularly and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may request imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI or PET scans to look for the tumors and see if they have developed. They can also conduct a physical exam and ask about the patient's asbestos exposure history. Some mesothelioma cases are associated with genetic changes, which means that some patients may benefit from genetic tests. Risk Factors The exposure to asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral that is made up of tiny fibers that are strong and withstand heat. Asbestos is employed in a variety of construction and manufacturing products including insulation, brakes and shingles. When asbestos is disturbed it releases dust that could be swallowed or inhaled. This can cause irritation of mesothelium, which may eventually lead to mesothelioma. People who have had an occupational history of asbestos exposure are at the most risk of mesothelioma. This includes those who worked in fields such as mining, shipbuilding construction, automotive repair and construction. Veterans of the military are also at high risk, since a number of branches of the military used asbestos-based products. Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma include an asbestos-related family history exposure as well as prior treatment with radiation to the chest. Furthermore the mesothelioma type diagnosed has a significant impact on the risk. The most common mesothelioma that affects the lung. Other mesothelioma types include the peritoneal (pericardial) testicular, testicular, and peritoneal. The risk of mesothelioma generally increases when you reach the third or fourth power of latency which is the length of time required to diagnose someone. However, the incidence of pleural mesothelioma shows a slight flattening about 40 years after exposure. Both peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma have the same trend. Those who have para-occupational exposure to asbestos – like living near to an asbestos plant or eating contaminated household products – are also at increased risk of developing mesothelioma. A study of six cities found that those with this type of exposure had a higher mesothelioma risk than those with only occupational exposure. Signs and symptoms Malignant mesothelioma affects the tissue linings surrounding internal organs. It most commonly occurs in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma may also develop in the lining of the heart or testicles. It is a rare form of cancer and the majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma worked on jobs that involved exposure to asbestos. It can take a long time for mesothelioma symptoms to develop and the disease is not curable. Asbestos is a group of minerals with thin, microscopic fibers that resist heat, fire, and chemicals. It was once widely employed in shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and many other industries. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma as the fibers can get stuck in the tissues of the lining and protecting organs. This causes irritation and damages cells. This can lead to tumors growing and eventually becoming cancerous. The most common form of mesothelioma occurs in the lining (pleura) of the lung. It may also begin in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or in the membrane surrounding the testicles or heart. Mesothelioma can also spread to the lymph nodes, which causes swelling of the lymph nodes. The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who have many years of exposure to asbestos, and are suffering from other diseases like chronic lung diseases. The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to those of other conditions, so it is important to visit a doctor if you observe any persistent or worrying signs and symptoms. Doctors will ask you about your asbestos exposure in the past and may perform physical examination. They may also order blood tests and imaging scans of your chest or abdomen. They can reveal any thickening of the lining of your lungs or fluid in the space between your lungs and the chest wall. Diagnosis When asbestos fibers become stuck to the body, they could cause damage and may eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Different kinds of asbestos-related cancer form in different organs or tissues and is diagnosed using a variety of tests. Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of the chest cavity, lungs and stomach (peritoneum) or around the reproductive organs, such as the heart or reproductive system. To determine if mesothelioma is a cancer patients must first discuss with their doctor the history of asbestos exposure they've had and any signs they are experiencing. Doctors will also conduct a physical examination and order basic tests, such as blood work to determine how well the lungs are working. X-rays or CT scans can help doctors see the affected area more clearly. In some cases doctors will perform the pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma or another disease is causing fluid buildup in the lung. The pleural effusion could be a symptom of mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneal mes or a rarer form of mesothelioma known as biphasic or mixed mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed, as they resemble those of other diseases. Hartford asbestos lawsuit are chest pain and breathing difficulties. Pleural mesothelioma can also cause fatigue, chest tightness, and a cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause abdominal discomfort swelling, distension and pain. Testicular mesothelioma can manifest as a painful or itchy lump in the testicles. Researchers are studying the presence of proteins in blood to find ways to identify mesothelioma at an early stage. They are also studying a number of other tests and procedures that may improve diagnostic accuracy, including mesothelioma imaging as well as MRIs. They are also studying genetic mutations and how to determine if a person is at risk for mesothelioma by examining their family history. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Anyone who has worked with asbestos in the past, particularly for long periods of time, or in high-risk jobs like construction, electrical work, shipbuilding, auto repair and military service are at a higher risk. Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma as fibers become stuck in tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers cause DNA damage and irritation to the mesothelium, which can cause cancerous cells to grow. Mesothelioma symptoms typically are not evident until years after exposure. The symptoms vary based on the type of mesothelioma and where it occurs in the body. Most mesothelioma patients have the lung lining (pleural) but it can also affect the stomach lining, the heart and testicles. 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 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 for treatment. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most frequent form of the disease that affects the lung lining and chest wall as well as the abdomen. The majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma result from asbestos exposure during work. Most likely asbestos was inhaled through airborne particles or consumed via food items. Other risk factors are a family history, genetic mutations, and prior radiation therapy for a different ailment. If you have been exposed to asbestos and suffer from mesothelioma-related symptoms, it is crucial to see your doctor. Genetic counseling can also be beneficial. A mesothelioma specialist can assist you in filing an action against companies that have knowingly used asbestos in their everyday products.