Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
The exposure to asbestos is the cause of mesothelioma. The exposure may have occurred at work or at the home.
Coughing, chest discomfort, and a dry throat are all symptoms of the pleural asbestosis. Other symptoms are abdominal pain, an accumulation of fluid and testicular cancer. There are four mesothelioma types. The most common is called pleural mesothelioma.
Occupational Exposure
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues of certain organs, like the lungs and the abdomen, is typically caused by exposure to asbestos. This harmful mineral, which is utilized in many industries, can cause fine dust to be inhaled and ingested when it breaks down. In the past, asbestos exposure was high in a variety of professions. These include asbestos insulators plumbers, electricians, shipyard workers and producers of automotive parts brake pads, clutches, and packing. Construction workers, who could be exposed to asbestos through their building materials or while demolition of old buildings, also face a the risk of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma develops when mesothelial cells develop mutations and begin to expand out of control, forming tumors that are spread throughout the body. Most often, mesothelioma develops in the lungs and abdomen, but it may also form in other organs such as the testicles and the heart. There are several mesothelioma types, and each one is named for the tissue in the body it affects.
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually appear 30 to 50 years after the initial exposure. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can be difficult to identify, and it may take a long time before the disease manifests itself. Asbestos victims must seek medical help to be diagnosed and receive treatment.
Non-occupational asbestos exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma. Secondary or indirect asbestos exposure occurs when people come into contact with fibers of asbestos through contaminated clothing or household items. These exposures can occur when family members wash and clean a person's work clothes or when people live within the vicinity of an industrial asbestos source.
A few case-control studies based on population have examined asbestos exposure in para-occupational settings and mesothelioma-related risk. One study showed mesothelioma-related risk that was significant among residents of communities near an asbestos cement factory in Casale Monferrato, northwest Italy. The authors attribute this increase to residential proximity to the plant as well as airborne exposure due to the use of asbestos cement products in the vicinity of roads and structures.
Similar results have been found in other studies involving communities, which have clearly identified industrial sources for para-occupational exposure. These studies can be a challenge. Some studies have struggled to distinguish between people with occupational and para-occupational asbestos exposures, which can lead to error in assessing their mesothelioma risks.
Environmental Exposure
Asbestos is a class of minerals with thin microscopic fibers. Because they are invulnerable to chemicals, fire and electricity, asbestos is used in a variety of industrial processes and products. Anyone who works with these materials or are exposed to them in other ways have a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes asbestos miners, shipyard workers as well asbestos-cement producers and insulation. But mesothelioma can be brought home on hair and clothing worn by workers which puts their family members at risk, too.
The most common cause of mesothelioma is occupational exposure to asbestos. A few cases are reported among individuals who have had non-occupational exposure to asbestos. In these instances asbestos fibers could be ingested into the lungs or the digestive tract through air contamination or by eating a person's contaminated food. The mesothelioma-related deaths have typically occurred in families of asbestos-exposed workers.
A mesothelioma diagnosis typically occurs years after asbestos exposure and the cancers are usually located in the chest or abdomen. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma that affects the chest cavity's lining. The other mesothelioma type affects the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum.
The mesothelioma cells that cause cancer are classified as either epithelioid (epithelioid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid). Between 60% and 70 percent of mesothelioma is epithelioid and has the best prognosis. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is more aggressive and has a lower prognosis. Biphasic mesothelioma is a form that occurs in 10 to 15% of patients. It is a combination of epithelioid cells with sarcomatoid cells.
Mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females, and most diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos through workplace exposure. However, the exact reasons for this gender difference remain elusive. It could be due to more men being employed in industries that frequently used asbestos, like construction and manufacturing.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that mesothelioma is more common in communities or areas with multiple asbestos-related sources. For example, one study of mesothelioma cases in 70 communities surrounding 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 a few cases, genetics play a role in mesothelioma. The disease is believed to be caused by hereditary gene changes that affect DNA repair mechanisms. Researchers have identified a variety of genes that could lead to patients being predisposed to mesothelioma. Certain studies have revealed that people with mesothelioma in their family are more likely to develop the disease than those without a family history.
The mechanism behind the disease isn't completely understood. It is known that occupational and environmental asbestos exposure can trigger the disease. Not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma. Certain mesothelioma patients have not been exposed to asbestos, whereas those who have experienced extensive occupational exposure do not develop the disease. Research suggests that these patients probably have genetic mutations that affect normal DNA repair processes.
A genetic test for mesothelioma is used to determine if a person has hereditary gene mutations which can increase the risk of developing the disease. The test is performed by a doctor using a sample from saliva or blood. The sample is sent to a lab for testing. In the majority of cases the results of the test will be available within two weeks.
Certain families with multiple mesothelioma cases carry a gene mutation in BAP1. This gene is involved in repairing damaged DNA. The mutation could cause cells to produce more cancerous cells, which can then spread to other organs which can cause mesothelioma.
The genetic mesothelioma test can be an excellent tool for identifying asbestos-related diseases. They can aid doctors in understanding the causes of asbestos-related diseases and devise more effective treatments.
The wrongful exposure to asbestos can be avoided by avoiding environmental and occupational exposure to the substance. People with a family history of mesothelioma should consult their doctors about potential genetic risks. Certain people could also benefit by participating in mesothelioma testing programs that require the use of a cheek swab or a blood sample. In these programs the mesothelioma prognosis of a patient is evaluated by a team of experts. The mesothelioma treatment plan for the patient is then developed based on their specific diagnosis.
Treatment
Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers cause damage to the body that leads to cancer. Asbestos exposure can occur in a variety of ways, including when employees take asbestos pieces apart to get rid of 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, where they can cause irritation, which leads to cancer. The signs of mesothelioma may not be apparent for 20 to 50 years after exposure, therefore it is crucial that those who might have been exposed to asbestos see their doctor immediately.
Warren asbestos lawyers of mesothelioma victims are males and the disease more often affects the linings of the lungs. Other mesothelioma types can occur in the linings the stomach, peritoneum, or the linings of the testicles and heart.
Like all forms of cancer, mesothelioma occurs when cells start to expand out of control, forming a tumor. The cancerous cells may grow to other areas of the body, and eventually lead to more cancerous tumors.
Researchers aren't sure of the cause of mesothelioma. However, they know that asbestos exposure is an important risk factor. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma often undergo chemotherapy and surgery to manage their symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
It's important for people who have been exposed to asbestos to keep track of their health and consult with their medical professionals about their work experience. Mesothelioma victims should also be sure to undergo regular tests to check for evidence of exposure to asbestos and any other potential problems.
The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms include discomfort and a buildup fluid around the lungs. Other signs include coughing, chest pain and a feeling of pressure on the chest and abdomen abdominal swelling, difficulty breathing weight loss and fatigue, as well as fever. Mesothelioma can have symptoms that are similar to those of other diseases and conditions. X-rays, bloodwork, and mesothelioma testing may aid in confirming the diagnosis. Some mesothelioma patients might have genetic mutations in their DNA, which increase the likelihood of developing this disease. These patients should consult their doctor about genetic counseling.