Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have an exposure history to asbestos are at risk of developing various types of cancer such as mesothelioma. These cancers have a long time to develop, meaning that symptoms don't manifest until many years after exposure.

The risk of developing pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma declines with time since first exposure. Evidence is based upon six occupational and two residential cohort studies with long-term follow-up.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the inner organs' linings which include the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It's a rare and aggressive disease that most often starts in the chest's lining cavity, but it may be found in the stomach's lining or in other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and the cancer is usually not able to develop until a long time after the initial exposure.

People exposed to asbestos while at work are at a higher risk of developing the disease than others. Asbestos fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and bind to the organ's lining. They can cause irritation to the lining which causes abnormal cells to grow and forming tumors. The signs usually don't show until a person has developed advanced mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure most often occurs in jobs in the industrial sector where workers handled the material or worked near it. Asbestos is utilized in a variety of trades, such as shipbuilding, construction and auto repair. Veterans who served in the military are at a higher risk for mesothelioma, as asbestos was used extensively on bases and ships.

People with a past history of asbestos exposure need to be checked regularly, and should be alert for any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they may order imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scans to detect tumors and see whether they've spread. They may also ask about the patient's past history of exposure to asbestos and conduct a physical examination. Some cases of mesothelioma are related to genetic changes, which means that some patients may benefit from genetic testing.

Risk Factors

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a mineral composed of fibers, is resistant to heat and strong. Asbestos was utilized in a range of manufacturing and construction products, including insulation, brakes and shingles, flooring and more. Asbestos dust can be inhaled and swallowed when disturbed. Over time, this can lead to irritation of the mesothelium, which may eventually develop into mesothelioma.

People with a history of occupational asbestos exposure are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes people who worked in fields like shipbuilding, mining, construction and automotive repair. Military veterans are also at high risk since many branches of the military used asbestos compensation-based materials.

Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma include an asbestos lawsuit-related family history exposure and previous radiation therapy to the chest. In addition, the type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed has significant effects on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent form and typically affects the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma are testicular, pericardial, and peritoneal.

In general, the risk of mesothelioma increases with the third to fourth power of latency, which is how long it takes for a patient to be diagnosed. However, the incidence of pleural mesothelioma has a slight flattening out after around 40 years after exposure. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma both show this trend as well. Those who have para-occupational exposure to asbestos, such as living close to an asbestos settlement plant or eating products that contain asbestos are also at a higher risk for mesothelioma. One study of six cities revealed that those who had this type of exposure were at a higher mesothelioma risk than those who had only occupational exposure.

Symptoms

Malignant mesothelioma affects the cellular linings surrounding internal organs. It is most often found in the lung lining (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also occur in the lining around the heart or testicles. It is a rare cancer and the majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma work in jobs that required exposure to asbestos. It can take decades for symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest, and the disease is not curable.

Asbestos is a group minerals that have tiny fibers that are resistant to heat, chemicals and fire. It is widely employed in a variety of industries, such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, construction and more. Exposure to asbestos law can lead to mesothelioma as the fibers get stuck in tissues that line and protect organs, causing irritation and damaging cells. This can lead to tumors expanding and eventually becoming cancerous.

The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). It can also begin in the lining around the testicles or the heart or the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum). Mesothelioma can also spread to the lymph nodes, causing them to swell.

The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who have many years of exposure to asbestos and are already suffering from other illnesses like chronic lung diseases. Symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other illnesses and it is therefore important to consult a doctor when you observe any warning signs or symptoms. Doctors can inquire about asbestos exposure in the past, and then conduct an examination. They may also order scans of your blood and imaging of your chest or abdomen. These tests can detect any fluid or thickening between the lungs and chest wall.

Diagnosis

Asbestos fibers that become stuck on the body can cause damage, and eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Different types of asbestos-related cancers develop in different organs or tissues, and each type can be diagnosed with different tests. Mesothelioma forms in the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs (pleura) and stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the heart and reproductive organs.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for a patient to speak with his or her doctor about their history with asbestos exposure and what symptoms they've been experiencing. Doctors will also perform an examination of the body and order tests to assess the health of the lung.

X-rays or CT scans can help doctors understand the affected area more clearly. In some cases doctors may use an pleural effusion test in order to determine if mesothelioma or another disease is causing the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. The pleural effusion could be a sign of pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma or a rarer type of mesothelioma called biphasic or mixed mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed due to the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and conditions. The most common symptoms include chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pleural mesothelioma may also cause chest tightness, cough and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma can lead to abdominal discomfort swelling, distension and pain. Testicular mesothelioma may manifest as a painful or itchy lump in the testicles.

Researchers are studying the presence of certain proteins in the blood to find an approach to detect mesothelioma early on. They are also looking into various other tests and procedures that could improve diagnostic accuracy, including mesothelioma scans and MRIs. They are also studying genetic mutations and how to determine whether a person is at risk of developing mesothelioma through analyzing their family history.

Treatment

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. People who have been exposed to asbestos, especially in high-risk occupations like electrical work, construction, auto repairs, shipbuilding and military service, are at a higher risk.

Exposure to asbestos triggers mesothelioma, when fibers are trapped in tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The mesothelium is irritated by the asbestos fibers and cause DNA damage, which leads to cancerous cells. Mesothelioma symptoms generally are not evident until years after exposure.

The symptoms vary based on the type of mesothelioma and where it occurs within the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can also be found in the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or testicles (testicular mesothelioma).

Mesothelioma staging helps doctors determine treatment options. The disease is classified as stage I through IV with stages I and II being the earliest stages that are the most treatment-able. Stage III and IV are later stages of cancer that are more difficult to treat, however there are many treatment options available.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease and affects the lung lining, chest wall and abdomen. In the majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure was a result of the workplace. This was most likely from breathing in airborne asbestos particles or ingestion of the cancerous substance through the food chain.

Other risk factors include a family history of mesothelioma, genetic mutations, and previous radiation therapy for another condition. If you were exposed to asbestos and have mesothelioma symptoms, it is important to see an expert. You may also benefit from genetic counseling. In some instances, a mesothelioma specialist can assist you in filing a lawsuit against companies who have knowingly used asbestos in their everyday products.