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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers People with a long history of exposure to asbestos are at risk of developing various types of cancers, such as mesothelioma. These diseases have a lengthy time to develop, meaning that symptoms do not appear for many years after exposure. The risk of pleural or peritoneal msothelioma diminishes after 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 a cancer of the internal organs' lining that include the lung (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare and severe disease that typically begins within the lining of the chest cavity. However, it can also affect the lining in the stomach and other areas of your body. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma and the cancer usually doesn't develop until a long time after the initial exposure. People who are exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at higher risk of developing cancer than others. Asbestos fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and bind to the organ lining. They irritate the lining of the organs which causes abnormal cells to grow and form tumors. The symptoms typically don't show until a person has advanced mesothelioma. The majority of asbestos exposure happens in the workplace in which workers handle the substance or work around it. Asbestos is utilized in a variety of trades, such as shipbuilding, construction and auto repair. Veterans who were in the military are at particular risk for mesothelioma, as asbestos was extensively used on ships and bases. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure need to undergo regular checks and be alert for any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may order imaging scans such as CT scans or MRI scans to detect tumors and determine if they've spread. They may also perform a physical exam and ask about a patient's exposure to asbestos history. Some mesothelioma cases are linked to genetic changes, and therefore some patients might benefit from genetic tests. Risk Factors The main mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral comprised of fibers, is resistant to heat and is strong. Asbestos was employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction products such as insulation, brakes, shingles flooring, and more. Asbestos dust can be breathed in and swallowed when it is disturbed. Over time, this can lead to irritation of the mesothelium, which can ultimately develop into mesothelioma. People with a history of occupational asbestos exposure are at the most risk of mesothelioma. This includes people who have worked in industries like mining, shipbuilding and construction, as well as automotive repair. Plano asbestos attorney are also at risk, as many branches of the military utilized asbestos-based materials. Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma is a family history of asbestos exposure as well as prior treatment with radiation to the chest. The type of mesothelioma detected has a significant impact on risk. The most frequent type of mesothelioma affects the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, and peritoneal. In general mesothelioma, the risk increases with the third or fourth power of latency, which is the length of time it takes for someone to be diagnosed. However, the incidence of pleural mesothelioma shows an apparent flattening after around 40 years after exposure. Both peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma have the same trend. Individuals who have exposure to asbestos, like living close to an asbestos plant, or consuming products from the household that are contaminated – are also at increased risk for mesothelioma. One study of six cities found that those who had this type of exposure had a greater mesothelioma rate than those who only had occupational exposure. Symptoms The inner organs' linings are affected by mesothelioma maligna. Most commonly, it occurs in the lung linings and the abdomen. Mesothelioma may also develop in the heart's lining or testicles. It is a rare cancer and most people diagnosed with mesothelioma have worked in positions that exposed them to asbestos. It can take a long time for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest and the disease is not curable. Asbestos is a group of minerals that have thin microscopically-sized fibers that resist heat, chemicals, and fire. It was widely employed in a variety of industries, including shipbuilding, manufacturing, construction and more. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma because asbestos fibers can become stuck in the tissues of the lining and protect organs. This causes irritation and damages cells. This can cause tumors to expand and eventually become cancerous. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It may also start in the lining of the testicles or heart or in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also spread to lymph nodes, causing swelling of the lymph nodes. The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have a history of exposure to asbestos and suffer from other illnesses like chronic lung disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to those of other conditions which is why it is crucial to consult a doctor when you observe any persisting or alarming signs and symptoms. Doctors might inquire about asbestos exposure in the past and conduct an examination. They can also order scans of your body or blood tests of your chest and abdomen. These tests can detect any signs of thickening or fluid between the lungs and chest wall. Diagnosis Asbestos fibers that get stuck on the body can cause damage and may eventually grow into cancerous tumours. Different types of asbestos-related cancers form in various tissues or organs, and each type is diagnosed using a variety of tests. Mesothelioma forms in the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura) and stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the heart and reproductive organs. To determine if mesothelioma is a cancer patients must first discuss with their doctor the history of exposure to asbestos they've suffered and any signs they are experiencing. Doctors will also conduct a physical examination and may order tests of a basic nature for example, like blood work to determine how well the lungs are working. X-rays and CT scans allow doctors to gain a better understanding of the affected area. In some instances doctors may perform a pleural fluid test to determine if mesothelioma may be responsible for the buildup of fluid. The pleural effusion may be a sign of pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma or a rarer type of mesothelioma referred to as biphasic or mixed mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed, as they resemble those of other diseases. The most common symptoms are breathing difficulties and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma can also cause chest tightness, cough and fatigue. Peritoneal Mesothelioma may cause abdominal swelling, pain, and distension. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a swollen or itchy lump on the testicles. Researchers are studying the presence of certain blood-borne proteins in hopes of developing a way to identify mesothelioma earlier in its development. They are also studying various other tests and procedures that could improve the accuracy of diagnostics. They are looking at mesothelioma imaging and MRIs. They are also looking into genetic mutations, and how to determine if a person has a mesothelioma-related risk by looking at their family background. Treatment Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. People who have worked with asbestos in the past, particularly for prolonged periods of time, or in high-risk jobs like construction, electrical work, shipbuilding, military service and auto repair are at a higher risk. Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma, when fibers are trapped in tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium and cause DNA damage that can lead to cancerous cells. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until years after exposure. The symptoms vary based on the type of mesothelioma as well as the place it is found within the body. The majority of patients with mesothelioma have the lung lining (pleural) however it may also affect the stomach's lining, heart and testicles. 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 the most treatment-able. Stage III and stage IV are the later stages of cancer and are more difficult to treat. However there are still numerous options for treatment. The most frequent mesothelioma form affects the lung linings, as well as the chest wall and the abdomen. In most cases of pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure was a result of the workplace. Most likely asbestos was inhaled via airborne particles or consumed via food items. Other risk factors include mesothelioma-related family history or genetic mutations as well as previous radiation therapy for another disease. It is important to consult a doctor if you have symptoms of mesothelioma or have been exposed to asbestos. Genetic counseling can also be beneficial. In some cases mesothelioma specialists can help you file a lawsuit against companies who have knowingly used asbestos in their everyday products.