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Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Related Cancers

People who have had an exposure history to asbestos are at risk for several types of cancer that include mesothelioma. These cancers have a long time to develop, meaning that symptoms don't manifest until years after exposure.

The risk of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma declines with time since first exposure. The evidence is built on six occupational cohort studies and two residential cohorts that have long-term follow-up.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma refers to cancer of the lining of internal organs that include the lung (pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). It is a rare and dangerous disease that typically starts in the lining in the chest cavity. However, it could also affect the lining in the stomach or other parts of your body. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and the cancer typically doesn't appear until decades after the initial exposure.

People who are exposed to asbestos while at work are at a higher risk of developing the disease than other. Asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed and cling to the organ's lining. They can cause irritation to the lining, causing abnormal cells to grow and forming tumors. Symptoms usually do not appear until a person has developed advanced mesothelioma.

Most asbestos exposure occurs in industrial settings where workers are exposed to the substance or work close to it. Asbestos was employed in shipbuilding, construction auto repair, shipbuilding and other trades. Veterans who served in the military are particularly at risk for mesothelioma, as asbestos was extensively used on bases and ships.

Anyone with an history of exposure to asbestos should have regular checkups and be aware of any unusual symptoms. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, they can request imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI or PET scans to look for the tumors and see if they have expanded. They may also perform a physical exam and ask about a patient's exposure to asbestos background. Some cases of mesothelioma are associated with genetic changes, and therefore some patients may benefit from genetic testing.

Risk Factors

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is made of tiny fibers that are tough and resistant to heat. Asbestos was previously employed in a variety of manufacturing and construction materials including insulation, brakes and shingles, flooring and more. Asbestos dust can be breathed in and swallowed if disturbed. Over time, this can lead to irritation of the mesothelium which may eventually develop into mesothelioma.

People who have an occupational history of asbestos exposure are at the greatest risk for mesothelioma. This includes those who worked in industries such as mining, shipbuilding construction, automotive repair and construction. Veterans of the military are also at high risk, as many branches of the military use asbestos compensation-based materials.

Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma are the family history of asbestos exposure as well as prior radiation therapy to the chest. Additionally, the type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed has an impact on the risk. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent form and typically affects the lung. 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 the length of time it takes for a patient to be diagnosed. However, the risk of pleural mesothelioma exhibits a slight flattening out after around 40 years after exposure. Peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma both have this pattern as well. Individuals who have exposure to asbestos litigation, like living close to an asbestos plant or consuming products that contain asbestos are also at higher risk for mesothelioma. One study of six cities showed that those with this kind of exposure were at a higher mesothelioma rate than those with only occupational exposure.

Symptoms

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

Asbestos is one of the minerals with tiny, microscopic fibers that are resistant to fire, chemicals and heat. It is widely used in many industries, such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, construction and many more. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma due to the fibers getting stuck in the tissues that line organs and protect them, causing irritation and damaging cells. This can cause tumors to grow and eventually become cancerous.

The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma 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 can also spread to lymph nodes, causing swelling of the lymph nodes.

The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma had a long history of exposure to asbestos, and are suffering from other diseases 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 persisting or alarming signs and symptoms. Doctors might inquire about asbestos exposure in the past and conduct a physical exam. They may also conduct scans of your blood and imaging of your chest or abdomen. They can detect any growth in the lining of your lungs or the fluid that is leaking out of the space between your lungs and the chest wall.

Diagnosis

Asbestos fibers that become stuck on the body can cause damage and may eventually grow into cancerous tumours. Asbestos-related tumors can grow in various organs or tissues. Each type of cancer can be diagnosed with a different test. Mesothelioma develops in the tissue lining the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura) as well as the stomach membranes (peritoneum) or around the heart and reproductive organs.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is to talk to his or her doctor about their experience with asbestos exposure and the symptoms they've experienced. Doctors will also perform an examination of the body and order tests to determine the health of the lung.

X-rays and CT scans help doctors gain a better understanding of the affected area. In some cases, doctors will use a pleural effusion test to determine if mesothelioma or another disease is causing fluid buildup in the lungs. The pleural effusion may 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 resemble those of other diseases and conditions. The most commonly reported symptoms are difficulty breathing and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma is also a cause of chest tightness, cough and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause abdominal discomfort, swelling and distension. Testicular mesothelioma can manifest as a painful or itchy lump in the testicles.

Researchers are studying the presence of certain proteins in the blood in hopes of developing an approach to detect mesothelioma early on. They are also studying several other tests and procedures that may enhance the accuracy of diagnostic tests, including mesothelioma scans and MRIs. They are also studying genetic mutations and ways to determine whether a person is at risk of developing mesothelioma by examining their family history.

Treatment

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

Exposure to asbestos lawsuit can cause mesothelioma as fibers become stuck in the tissue that lines and protects vital organs. The fibers cause DNA damage and irritation to the mesothelium which causes cancerous cell growth. Mesothelioma symptoms generally do not appear until decades after exposure.

The symptoms differ based on the type of mesothelioma and the location it develops in the body. Most mesothelioma cases involve the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can also 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 stage IV, with stages I and II being the most early and the most treatment-able. Stage III and IV are later stages of cancer that are more difficult to treat, but there are still many treatment options available.

Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent form of the disease and affects the lining of the lungs, chest wall and abdomen. In the majority of cases of pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure occurred in the workplace. Most likely asbestos was inhaled via airborne particles or inhaled through food.

Other risk factors include a family history of mesothelioma, genetic mutations, and previous radiation therapy for another disease. If you've been exposed to asbestos and have mesothelioma symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. You may also benefit from genetic counseling. In some instances, a mesothelioma specialist can assist you in filing a lawsuit against companies who wrongfully put asbestos in everyday products.