Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos. The exposure could have occurred at work or at home.
Coughing, chest discomfort and a dry throat are all symptoms of pleural asbestosis. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, fluid accumulation and testicular carcinoma. There are four types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common kind.
Occupational Exposure
Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma. The cancer affects linings of certain organs, like the lungs or abdomen. This toxic mineral is used in many industries and, when it breaks down, it creates fine dust that could be breathed in or ingested. In the past asbestos exposure was high in a variety of occupations. These include asbestos insulators, plumbers, electricians shipyard workers, and manufacturers of automobile parts brake pads, clutches, and packing. Construction workers, who could be exposed to asbestos through their building materials, or when breaking down old structures, also face high risk of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma occurs when mesothelial cells develop mutations and begin to expand out of control, and eventually form tumors that can spread throughout the body. Mesothelioma is most often found in the abdomen or lungs however it can also be found in other organs, such as the testicles or the heart. There are a variety of mesothelioma types, and each one is named in honor of the tissue in the body it affects.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically show up 30 to 50 year after the initial exposure. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is often difficult to diagnose and can take decades for the disease to manifest itself. Asbestos patients must seek medical attention to receive an diagnosis and treatment.
The non-occupational exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of mesothelioma. Secondary or indirect exposures can occur when people come in contact with asbestos fibers via contaminated clothing or other household objects. The exposure can occur as family members clean a person's clothes or when they reside near an industrial asbestos source.
A few studies that are based on population-based case-control have examined asbestos exposure in para-occupational settings and mesothelioma risks. One study revealed that those living close to an asbestos cement manufacturing plant in Casale Monferrato (northwest Italy) were at risk of developing mesothelioma. The authors attributed this increase to the proximity of residents to the plant and to the exposure to air through the use of asbestos cement products in close proximity to roads and buildings.
Similar results have been found in other community-based studies, which have clearly defined industrial sources of exposure to para-occupational hazards. However these studies are difficult to conduct. Some studies have had difficulty in separating individuals who have been exposed to occupational or occupational exposure to asbestos, which can lead to errors in assessing the mesothelioma risks of those people.
Environmental Exposure
Asbestos is one of the minerals that have microscopic fibers. Because they are resistant to fire, chemicals and electricity, asbestos has been employed in a variety of industrial processes and products. Mesothelioma is more likely to be diagnosed in those who work with asbestos or are exposed to it in other ways. This includes asbestos miners, shipyard workers, asbestos-cement producers and insulation. Mesothelioma can also be found in hair and clothing of asbestos workers, putting the family at risk.
The occupational exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. A small number of cases are reported among individuals who have been exposed to asbestos. In these instances, asbestos fibers may have entered the lungs or digestive system through contaminated air, or eating contaminated food. The majority of mesothelioma cases have been seen in the family members of asbestos-exposed workers.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma typically occurs years after asbestos exposure, and the tumors are primarily located in the abdomen or chest. The most common type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma pleural which affects the lining of the chest cavity. The peritoneum is a lining of your abdominal cavity. It is the second most common mesothelioma that is malignant.
The mesothelioma cancer cells are classified as epithelioid or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up about 60 percent to 70 percent of all mesothelioma patients and generally has the best outcomes. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma on the other hand, is more aggressive and has a poorer prognosis. Biphasic mesothelioma is a form that is found in 10 to 15% of patients. It is composed of epithelioid cell with sarcomatoid cells.
Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. The majority of people diagnosed with the disease were exposed to asbestos while at work. The reason behind this gender gap is still undetermined. It could be due to the fact that more men are employed in fields such as construction and manufacturing which often use asbestos.
Numerous studies have revealed mesothelioma to be more prevalent in communities that have multiple asbestos-related sources. For instance, one study of mesothelioma cases in 70 communities around sites that were exposed to contaminated vermiculite at the Libby asbestos mine in Montana showed that residents who lived within 2000m of the facility were at a higher risk of mesothelioma.
Genetic Predisposition
In some instances, genetics play a role in mesothelioma. The disease is believed to be caused by hereditary gene changes that interfere with the DNA repair mechanisms. Researchers have identified genes that may make a patient more susceptible to mesothelioma. Certain studies have revealed that people who have mesothelioma in their family are more likely to develop the disease than those without any family history.
Mobile asbestos lawyers behind the disease is not completely understood. It is well-known that occupational and environmental asbestos exposure can lead to the disease. However, not everyone exposed to asbestos develops mesothelioma. Many mesothelioma victims have no known asbestos exposure, and some people with a high level of occupational exposure do not develop the disease. Research suggests that these patients probably have genetic mutations that interfere with normal DNA repair processes.
A mesothelioma genetic test is used to determine whether a person has hereditary gene mutations that increase the likelihood of developing this type of cancer. The test can be performed by a physician using a sample from saliva or blood. The sample is sent to a lab for testing. The results of the test can usually be received within two weeks.
A few families with multiple mesothelioma cases have a mutation in BAP1. This gene is involved with the repair of damaged DNA. The mutation can cause cancerous cells to grow exponentially. cells, which can then spread to other parts of the body, causing mesothelioma.
Genetic mesothelioma tests are a useful instrument for identifying asbestos-related illnesses. They can help doctors better understand the causes of asbestos-related diseases and devise more efficient treatments.
The risk of exposure to asbestos can be prevented by avoiding occupational and environmental exposure to asbestos. Consult your physician when you have a family background of mesothelioma. Certain people could also benefit by participating in mesothelioma testing programs that require a cheek swab or blood sample. In these programs the prognosis of a patient's mesothelioma is evaluated by a team of experts. The mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient is then designed based on their specific diagnosis.
Treatment
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause damage to the body, which leads to cancer. Asbestos can be uncovered in many ways, such as when workers break down asbestos to remove it or when people bring the asbestos fibers home on their clothes and skin after a day of work.
These fibers can get into the stomach and lungs, where they cause irritation which leads to cancer. The signs of mesothelioma could not be evident for as long as 50 years after exposure. Therefore, it is essential that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos consults their doctor right away.
Most mesothelioma sufferers are male, and the most common form of the disease is one that affects the linings of the lung (pleural mesothelioma). Other types of mesothelioma may be found in the linings of the stomach, peritoneum, or the linings of the testicles and heart.
As with all forms of cancer, mesothelioma caused when cells grow uncontrollably, creating a tumor. The abnormal cells can grow to other areas of the body, and eventually lead to more cancerous tumors.
Researchers don't fully understand what causes mesothelioma. But they do know that asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. Patients suffering from mesothelioma are usually treated with chemotherapy and surgical procedures in order to slow down the progression of their disease.
It is crucial for those who have been exposed to asbestos to be vigilant about their health and talk to their doctors about their working history. Mesothelioma patients should undergo regular tests for signs of asbestos and other possible issues.
Mesothelioma is characterized by pain and fluid buildup around the lungs. Other symptoms include chest pain, a feeling that the chest and abdomen are under pressure abdominal swelling, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as fever. Mesothelioma is a condition that can cause symptoms similar to those of other illnesses and conditions. Bloodwork, X-rays and mesothelioma tests can aid in confirming the diagnosis. Certain mesothelioma patients could have genetic modifications in their DNA, which increase their chances of developing the disease. These patients should consult their doctor about genetic counseling.
