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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. The exposure may be at work or at home.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, coughing and dry cough. Other symptoms are abdominal pain, a buildup fluid and testicular cancer. There are four types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent type.
Occupational Exposure
Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. This cancer affects the linings of certain organs, such as the lungs or abdomen. This toxic mineral is used in a variety of industries, and when it breaks down, creates a fine dust that can be inhaled or consumed. Many occupations historically have had significant exposure to asbestos. These include asbestos insulation plumbers, electricians, engineers, shipyard employees and producers of automotive components, brake pads and clutches. Construction workers exposed to asbestos through their construction materials or when taking down old buildings, face an increased risk of exposure.
When mesothelial cells undergo mutations they can expand uncontrollably and develop tumors that spread throughout the body. The majority of mesothelioma cases are in the lungs and the abdomen, but it may be found in other organs like the heart and testicles. There are many mesothelioma types. Each one is named after the organ that it affects.
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually appear 30 to 50 years after the first exposure. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is difficult to detect, and it can take decades for the disease to manifest itself. Asbestos patients need medical assistance to determine the cause and receive treatment.
The non-occupational exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of mesothelioma. Secondary or indirect asbestos exposure occurs when people come into contact with fibers of asbestos through contaminated clothing and household items. These exposures can occur when family members clean someone's clothing or reside near an industrial asbestos source.
There aren't many population-based studies that have examined the para-occupational exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma risks. One study revealed that those living near an asbestos cement factory in Casale Monferrato (northwest Italy) were at high risk of mesothelioma. The authors attributed the increase in mesothelioma-related risk to the proximity of residents to the plant and exposure to the air from the use of asbestos cement products on nearby roads and buildings.
Similar results have been reported in other studies conducted by communities that have clearly defined industrial sources for exposure to para-occupational hazards. These studies can be challenging. Some studies have had difficulty in separating individuals who have been exposed to occupational or para-occupational exposure to asbestos, which can lead to errors in assessing the mesothelioma dangers of those people.
Environmental Exposure
Asbestos is an assortment of minerals that contain microscopic fibers. Because these are resistant to chemical fires, as well as electricity, asbestos is used 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 different ways. This includes asbestos miners, shipyard workers, as well as asbestos-cement producers and insulators. Mesothelioma also gets transmitted through hair and clothing of asbestos workers, placing the family at risk.
The occupational exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. A small percentage of cases are reported among individuals who have had non-occupational exposure to asbestos. In these cases asbestos fibers could have entered the lungs or digestive tract through contaminated air, or through eating food that is contaminated. These mesothelioma deaths have usually occurred in the families of asbestos-exposed workers.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually decades after asbestos exposure, and the tumors are primarily found in the chest or abdomen. The most frequent mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity. The peritoneum is the lining of your abdominal cavity. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma that is malignant.
The mesothelioma cancer cells are classified as epithelioid or sarcomatoid. Between 60% and 70 percent of mesothelioma is epithelioid, which means it has the best prognosis. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma can be more aggressive and has a less favorable prognosis. Between 10 and 15 percent of patients with mesothelioma have biphasic mesothelioma that includes epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells.
Mesothelioma is more common in men than women, and most diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos via work-related exposure. The exact reason for this gap between men and women is unknown. It could be related to the higher percentage of men employed in industries that frequently used asbestos, like construction and manufacturing.
A number of studies have demonstrated increased mesothelioma incidences in areas or communities with multiple asbestos-related industrial sources. For example, one study of mesothelioma patients in 70 communities around sites that received contaminated vermiculite from the Libby asbestos mine in Montana showed that residents living within 2000 meters of the facilities were at a higher risk of mesothelioma.
Genetic Predisposition
In some instances genetics may play a part in mesothelioma. The disease is believed to be caused by hereditary changes in genes which interfere with the DNA repair mechanisms. Researchers have identified several genes that may lead patients to mesothelioma. Certain studies have revealed that those who have had mesothelioma-related history to be more likely to develop it than those who do not.
The cause of the disease isn't fully understood. The disease may be caused by occupational or environmental exposure to asbestos. Not all people exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma. Many mesothelioma victims have no asbestos exposure, and a few people with a high level of occupational exposure do not get the disease. Research suggests that these patients may have genetic mutations that hinder normal DNA repair processes.
A genetic mesothelioma test used to determine whether an individual is affected by hereditary gene mutations that increase their chance of developing the disease. The test can be performed by a doctor who takes samples of saliva or blood. The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing. In most cases, the results of the test will be available within two weeks.
Some families with multiple mesothelioma patients have a mutation in the gene BAP1. This gene is involved with repairing damaged DNA. The mutation could cause cancerous cells to become over-produced, which can later spread to other parts of your body, causing mesothelioma.
Genetic mesothelioma tests are a useful tool for identifying asbestos-related diseases. They can assist doctors know the causes of mesothelioma and develop more effective treatment strategies.
Avoiding exposure to asbestos in the workplace and in the environment can help prevent wrongful asbestos exposure. Discuss with your doctor when you have a family history of mesothelioma. Certain people could also benefit by participating in mesothelioma-related testing programs that require the use of a cheek swab or a blood sample. In Gilbert asbestos lawsuits of a patient's mesothelioma is evaluated by a team of experts. The mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient is then designed in accordance with their specific diagnosis.
Treatment
Mesothelioma develops when minuscule asbestos fibers get into the body, causing damage that eventually leads to cancer. Asbestos exposure can occur in various ways, including when employees cut down asbestos to remove it or when people take the fibers home on their clothing and skin after they leave work.
The fibers can be absorbed by the lungs and stomach, which can cause irritation that causes cancer. The signs of mesothelioma may not be apparent for 20 to 50 years after exposure, so it is crucial that those who may have been exposed to asbestos see their doctor immediately.
Most mesothelioma patients are male and the most prevalent type 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 the heart.
As with all forms of cancer, mesothelioma caused by cells that grow uncontrollably, creating a tumor. The abnormal cells could expand to other areas of the body, causing more cancerous tumors.
Researchers don't fully understand the causes of mesothelioma. However, they do know that asbestos exposure is a significant risk factor. Patients with mesothelioma are often treated with chemotherapy and surgery to stop the progression of their disease.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should keep an eye on their health and consult with their doctors about the work history. Mesothelioma patients should undergo regular screenings for signs of asbestos and other potential problems.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms include discomfort and a buildup fluid around the lungs. Other symptoms include chest pain, feeling that the chest and abdomen are under pressure, abdominal swelling, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well a fever. Symptoms can be similar to other conditions and illnesses which is why mesothelioma may be wrongly diagnosed. X-rays and blood tests can confirm the diagnosis. Some mesothelioma patients may also have genetic changes in their DNA, which increases their chances of developing the disease. These patients should speak to their physician about genetic counselling.