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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 long time to develop, meaning that symptoms don't manifest until many years after exposure. The risk of pleural or peritoneal msothelioma decreases with time after the first exposure. Evidence is based on six occupationally and two residential cohort studies that have a long-term follow-up. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of internal organs, including the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It's a rare, aggressive disease that usually begins in the lining of the chest cavity, but it could be found in the lining of the stomach or in other areas of the body. Asbestos is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. The cancer usually doesn't appear until decades after exposure. People exposed to asbestos in the workplace have an increased risk of developing the disease than other. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and adhere to the organ's lining. They can cause irritation to the lining and cause abnormal cells to grow and form tumors. The symptoms typically don't show until the person is diagnosed with advanced mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure most often is found in industrial settings in which workers handled the material or worked near it. Asbestos was employed in shipbuilding, construction as well as auto repair trades. Veterans who served in the military are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma because asbestos was used extensively on bases and ships. Patients with a exposure to asbestos are required to be checked regularly and be alert for 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 gotten larger. They can also conduct a physical exam and ask about the patient's asbestos exposure history. Some cases of mesothelioma can be caused by genetic changes. So, certain patients could benefit from genetic tests. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral made up of tiny fibers that are tough and resistant to heat. Asbestos was used in a wide variety of construction and manufacturing products, including insulation, brakes, shingles flooring, and many more. When asbestos is disturbed, it creates dust that may be inhaled or swallowed. In time, this may lead to irritation of the mesothelium, which could eventually lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who have a history of occupational exposure to asbestos. This includes those who have worked in industries like mining, shipbuilding and construction, as well as auto repair. Veterans of the military are also at high risk, as many branches of the military use asbestos-based materials. Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma are the family history of asbestos exposure and previous treatment with radiation to the chest. In addition the mesothelioma type that is diagnosed has an impact on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent form and typically affects the lungs. Other mesothelioma forms include peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and the peritoneal. The risk of mesothelioma typically increases when you reach the third or fourth power of latency which is the length of time it takes to identify someone. The rate of pleural cancer shows an increase in incidence after 40 years. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma both have this pattern as well. Para-occupational asbestos exposure, such as living near an asbestos plant or eating household products that are contaminated, can also increase the risk of mesothelioma. In an investigation of six cities in the United States, those who were exposed to asbestos in this way had a higher risk of mesothelioma compared to those who had only occupational exposure. Symptoms Malignant mesothelioma can affect the tissue linings surrounding internal organs. It is most often found in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also occur in the lining around the testicles or heart. It is a rare form of cancer, and the majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma worked in jobs where they were exposed to asbestos. Peoria asbestos attorneys can take a long time for mesothelioma symptoms to develop and the disease is not curable. Asbestos is a group of minerals that have tiny fibers that are resistant to chemicals, heat, and fire. It was once extensively used in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing and many other industries. Exposure to asbestos could cause mesothelioma, because asbestos fibers can become stuck in tissues lining and protect organs. This causes irritation and damages to cells. This can cause tumors to grow and eventually become cancerous. The most common form of mesothelioma occurs in the wall (pleura) of the lungs. It can also start 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 them to swell. The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have many years of exposure to asbestos, and are suffering from other illnesses like chronic lung diseases. Mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other diseases, so it is recommended to consult a doctor in the event that any worrying or persistent symptoms persist. Doctors might inquire about asbestos exposure in the past and perform an examination. They may also order scans of your body or blood tests of your abdomen and chest. These tests can detect any signs of thickening or fluid between the lungs and chest wall. Diagnosis Asbestos fibers that become stuck on the body may cause damage, and eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related cancers can form in a variety of organs and tissues. Each kind of cancer can be diagnosed using a different test. Mesothelioma can be found in the linings of the chest cavity, lungs, stomach (peritoneum), or around the reproductive organs or the heart. To determine if mesothelioma is a cancer, a patient must first discuss with their doctor the history of asbestos exposure they have experienced and any symptoms they may be experiencing. Doctors also conduct a physical exam and request basic tests, such as blood work to determine how well the lungs are functioning. X-rays and CT scans allow doctors to get a clearer picture of the affected area. In some cases, doctors will use the pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma or another disease is causing fluid buildup in the lungs. Pleural effusions may be a sign of pleural, peritoneal or mixed mesothelioma. The mesothelioma symptoms are often misdiagnosed, as they resemble those of other illnesses. The most commonly reported symptoms are difficulty breathing and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma may also cause chest tightness, cough and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma can lead to abdominal pain swelling and distension. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a swollen or itchy lump in the testicles. Researchers are studying the presence of proteins in the blood to develop a way of identifying mesothelioma in the early stages. They are also studying 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 how to determine if someone is at risk for mesothelioma by taking a look at their family history. Treatment Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. Anyone who has worked with asbestos in the past, particularly for prolonged periods of time or in high risk jobs such as construction, shipbuilding, electrical work military service and auto repair, are at increased 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 causes cancerous cells to grow. The signs of mesothelioma generally don't appear until decades after exposure. Symptoms differ depending on the type of mesothelioma and where it develops within the body. The majority of patients with mesothelioma have the lining in their lungs (pleural) but it could also affect the stomach's lining, heart and testicles. Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is categorized as stage I through IV, with stages I and II being the earliest stages and most manageable. Stage III and IV are later stages of cancer and more difficult to treat, however there are still many treatment options available. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent type of cancer and affects the lung lining and chest wall, as well as the abdomen. The majority of cases of pleural msothelioma result from asbestos exposure while working. It was most likely due to breathing in airborne asbestos particles or ingestion of the cancerous substance through the food chain. Other risk factors include mesothelioma in the family, genetic mutations and previous radiation therapy for another disease. If you were exposed to asbestos and are suffering from mesothelioma symptoms it is essential to consult a doctor. Genetic counseling can also be beneficial. In certain instances mesothelioma experts can help you file a lawsuit against companies that wrongfully put asbestos in everyday products.