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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers People who have a long history of exposure to asbestos are at risk of developing a variety of types of cancers, such as mesothelioma. These cancers have a long time of latency, which means that symptoms do not appear for years after exposure. The risk of developing pleural and mesothelioma peritoneal diminishes with time from the first exposure. Evidence is based on two residential and six occupational cohort studies that have a long-term follow-up. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma refers to cancer of the internal organs' lining that include the lung (pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare, aggressive disease that usually begins in the lining in the chest cavity. However, it could also affect the lining of the stomach, as well as other parts of your body. Asbestos is the most significant reason for mesothelioma. The cancer typically doesn't show up until decades after exposure. People who are exposed to asbestos while at work are at higher chances of getting the disease than others. Asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed and adhere to the lining of organs. The fibers can cause irritation to the lining of the organ and cause abnormal cells to multiply, leading to tumors. The symptoms usually don't appear until a person has advanced mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos most often is found in industrial settings in which workers handled the material or worked near it. Asbestos is used in many trades, such as construction, shipbuilding and auto repair. Veterans who served in the military are at greater risk of mesothelioma because asbestos was commonly used on ships and bases. People with an history of exposure to asbestos should be screened regularly and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may order imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scans to check for tumors and see whether they've spread. They may also perform physical examinations and inquire about a patient's exposure to asbestos history. Certain cases of mesothelioma may be caused by genetic changes. Therefore, some patients could benefit from genetic testing. Risk Factors The primary mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral comprised of fibers, is resistant to heat and strong. Asbestos was used in many manufacturing and construction products, including insulation, brakes, and shingles. Asbestos dust can be inhaled and swallowed if disturbed. This can cause irritation of the mesothelium over time, which can eventually lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most common in those with a history of occupational exposure to asbestos. This includes people who worked in fields like shipbuilding, mining, construction and automotive repair. Veterans of the military are also at risk, since a number of branches of the military use asbestos-based products. A family history of asbestos or radiation therapy for chest cancer are additional factors that increase mesothelioma risk. The type of mesothelioma diagnosed has a significant impact on risk. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent form and typically affects the lungs. Other mesothelioma forms include testicular, pericardial and peritoneal. In general mesothelioma, the risk increases with the third to fourth power of latency – which is the length of time it takes for a patient to get diagnosed. The incidence of pleural cancer is a slight flattening after 40 years. Both peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma show the same trend. Those who have para-occupational exposure to asbestos – like living near to an asbestos plant or consuming contaminated household products are also at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. In a study of six cities, people who were exposed to asbestos in this manner were at a higher risk of mesothelioma than those who had only occupational exposure. Symptoms The internal organs' linings are affected by malignant mesothelioma. It is most often found in the lung lining (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also be found in the heart's lining or testicles. It is a rare form of cancer and the majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have worked in jobs that required exposure to asbestos. It can take a long time for mesothelioma-related symptoms to develop and the condition is not curable. Asbestos is an assortment of minerals that possess microscopic fibers and are impervious to 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 due to the fibers getting stuck in tissues that line organs and protect them, causing irritation and damaging cells. This can cause tumors to start developing and eventually turning cancerous. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma of the pleural region, which is found in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also start in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or within the membrane that surrounds the testicles or heart. Mesothelioma can also be spread to lymph nodes, causing them to swell. The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are victims of asbestos exposure and are also suffering from other ailments like chronic lung disease. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other illnesses which is why it is crucial to see a doctor if you observe any persistent or worrying signs and symptoms. Doctors might inquire about asbestos exposure in the past, and then conduct an examination. They may also order scans of your blood and imaging of your abdomen or chest. These tests can reveal any fluid or thickening between the lungs and chest wall. Diagnosis If asbestos fibers get stuck to the body, they could cause damage and may develop into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related cancers can develop in various organs or tissues. Each type of cancer is diagnosed using a different test. Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of the chest cavity, lungs, stomach (peritoneum), or around the reproductive organs or the heart. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for a patient to talk to his or her doctor about their history of asbestos exposure and what symptoms they have been experiencing. Doctors can also conduct a physical examination and order tests to determine the health of the lungs. X-rays and CT scans allow doctors to get a clearer picture of the affected area. In some instances doctors will perform a test of pleural fluid to determine if mesothelioma may be responsible for the buildup of fluid. The pleural effusion could be a symptom of mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal mesot or a rarer form 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 include chest pain and breathing problems. Pleural mesothelioma is also a cause of chest tightness, cough and fatigue. Peritoneal Mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, swelling, and distension. Testicular mesothelioma could manifest as a swollen or itchy lump in the testicles. Researchers are studying the presence of proteins in the blood to develop methods to detect mesothelioma early in its development. 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 how to determine if someone has a mesothelioma-related risk by studying their family history. Treatment Asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. People who have worked with asbestos, particularly in high-risk jobs such as construction, electrical work or auto repairs, shipbuilding and military service are at 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 leads to cancerous cells. Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not appear for decades after exposure. The symptoms differ based on the type of mesothelioma and the location it develops in the body. The majority of mesothelioma cases involve lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can also be found in the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (testicular mesothelioma). 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 treatable. 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. Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent form of the disease that affects the lining of the lungs, chest wall and abdomen. In most cases of pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure was a result of the workplace. iowa city asbestos attorney was most likely from breathing in airborne asbestos particles or ingesting the cancerous substance through the food chain. Other risk factors include a family history of mesothelioma, genetic mutations and previous radiation therapy for another disease. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are suffering from mesothelioma symptoms it is important to see an expert. You could also benefit from genetic counseling. In certain instances, a mesothelioma specialist can help you file a lawsuit against companies who incorrectly use asbestos in everyday products.