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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers People who have previous exposure to asbestos are at risk for various types of cancer such as mesothelioma. These diseases have a latency time of many decades, which means that symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure. The risk of developing pleural and peritoneal msothelioma diminishes 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 inner organs' linings, including the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or 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, as well as other parts of your body. Asbestos is the most significant cause of mesothelioma. The cancer typically doesn't show up until decades after exposure. The people who are exposed asbestos in the workplace have an increased chance of developing cancer than other. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and stick to the organ lining. The fibers irritate the lining and cause abnormal cells to multiply, leading to tumors. The signs usually don't show until a person has developed advanced mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure most often occurs in industrial jobs where workers handled the substance or were in close proximity to it. Asbestos is utilized in a variety of trades, such as shipbuilding, construction, and auto repair. Veterans who were in the military are particularly at danger of mesothelioma since asbestos was widely used on ships and bases. Anyone with an history of exposure to asbestos should have regular checkups 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 whether they have expanded. They may also ask about the patient's past history of asbestos exposure and carry out a physical examination. Some mesothelioma cases are associated with genetic changes, so some patients may benefit from genetic testing. Risk Factors The exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma risk factor. Asbestos is a substance made up of tiny fibers that are durable and withstand heat. Asbestos was employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction materials, such as insulation, brakes, and shingles. When asbestos is disturbed it creates dust that may be swallowed or inhaled. In time, this may lead to irritation of the mesothelium which may eventually develop into mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most common in people who have a history of occupational exposure to asbestos. This includes those who worked in fields such as mining, shipbuilding construction, and automotive repair. Veterans of the military are also at risk since many branches of military employed asbestos-based materials. Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma are an asbestos-related family history exposure as well as prior radiation therapy to the chest. In killeen asbestos lawyer , the type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed has significant effects on the risk. The most frequent type of mesothelioma is one that affects the lung. Other mesothelioma forms include the peritoneal (pericardial), testicular, and peritoneal. The risk of mesothelioma generally increases when you reach the third or fourth power of latency which is the amount of time it takes to identify someone. The rate of pleural cancer is a slight flattening after 40 years. Both peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma show the same trend. Exposure to asbestos that is not occupational which includes living near an asbestos plant or consuming 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 were at a higher risk of mesothelioma than people who were exposed only to occupational exposure. Signs and symptoms Malignant mesothelioma affects the cellular that surrounds internal organs. Most commonly, it occurs in the linings of the lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma can also be found in the lining of the heart or testicles. It is a rare cancer and the majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have worked in positions that exposed them to asbestos. It can take decades for mesothelioma symptoms to develop, and the disease is not curable. Asbestos is a group minerals that have microscopic fibers and are impervious to chemicals, heat, and fire. It was previously widely used in shipbuilding, construction manufacturing, and other industries. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma, because the fibers can get stuck in tissues lining and protect organs. This causes irritation and damages cells. This can result in tumors developing and eventually turning cancerous. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also develop in the lining of the testicles or the heart or the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma may also spread to lymph nodes and cause them to expand. The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who have a long history of exposure to asbestos and are suffering from other diseases like chronic lung diseases. Symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to those of other conditions and it is therefore important to see a doctor if you observe any persisting or alarming signs and symptoms. Doctors will ask you about your past asbestos exposure and may also conduct an examination. They can also order scans of your body or blood tests of your abdomen and chest. They can detect any growth in the lung's lining, or fluid in the space between your lungs and chest wall. Diagnosis If asbestos fibers get stuck to the body, they can cause damage and may eventually turn into cancerous tumors. Asbestos-related tumors can grow in various organs or tissues. Each type of cancer can be diagnosed with a different test. Mesothelioma can be found in the linings of the chest cavity, lungs and stomach (peritoneum), or around the reproductive organs or the heart. To be able to diagnose mesothelioma patients must first consult with their physician about the history of asbestos exposure they've experienced and any symptoms they are experiencing. Doctors will also conduct a physical exam and may order tests of a basic nature like blood tests to determine how well the lungs are working. X-rays or CT scans can aid doctors in identifying the affected area more clearly. In some instances, doctors use a test of pleural fluid to determine if mesothelioma is responsible for the buildup of fluid. Pleural effusions can be a sign of pleural, peritoneal or mixed mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed due to the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and conditions. The most common symptoms are chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pleural mesothelioma may also cause a cough, chest tightness and fatigue. Peritoneal Mesothelioma may cause abdominal pain, swelling, and distension. Testicular mesothelioma can manifest as a painful or itchy lump in the testicles. Researchers are studying specific proteins in the blood in hopes of developing methods to detect mesothelioma before it becomes a problem. They are also looking into a number of other tests and procedures that could improve the accuracy of diagnosis, such as mesothelioma imaging as well as MRIs. They are also studying genetic mutations and how to determine if a person has a mesothelioma risk by taking a look at their family background. Treatment Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma. People who worked with asbestos in the past, especially for prolonged periods of time or in high risk jobs such as shipbuilding, electrical work, auto repair and military service, are at increased risk. Exposure to asbestos triggers mesothelioma when fibers get stuck in the tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium and cause DNA damage that leads to cancerous cells. Mesothelioma symptoms generally are not evident until years after exposure. The symptoms vary based on the type of mesothelioma as well as the place it is found in the body. The majority of mesothelioma cases involve lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can be found in the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is classified as stage I to IV, with stages I and II being the first stages and most manageable. Stage III and stage IV are the more advanced stages of cancer, and are more difficult to treat. However there are numerous options for treatment. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common form of the disease and affects the lining of the lungs, chest wall and abdomen. The majority of cases of pleural msothelioma are the result of asbestos exposure during work. Most likely asbestos was inhaled via airborne particles or ingested through food. Other risk factors include mesothelioma in the family, genetic mutations, and previous radiation therapy for another condition. If you were exposed to asbestos and have mesothelioma symptoms it is important to see a doctor. You could also benefit from genetic counseling. In some instances, a mesothelioma specialist can help you file a lawsuit against companies that incorrectly use asbestos in everyday products.