Ten Myths About Mesothelioma Asbestos Exposure That Don't Always Hold

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure The exposure to asbestos is the main cause mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can happen at work or at home. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are coughing, chest pain and a dry cough. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, fluid accumulation and testicular carcinoma. There are four mesothelioma types. The most frequent is pleural mesothelioma. Occupational Exposure Mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the organs' linings, like the lungs and the abdomen, is generally caused by exposure to asbestos. This harmful mineral, which is used in a variety of industries, can cause fine dust to be inhaled and ingested when it breaks down. In Turlock asbestos lawyers , many professions have involved high levels of occupational exposure to asbestos. This includes asbestos insulators, electricians, plumbers, shipyard workers and producers of automotive parts, brake pads, clutches and packing. Construction workers exposed to asbestos through building materials, or while taking down old buildings, face an increased risk of exposure. Mesothelioma occurs when mesothelial cells develop mutations and begin to expand out of control, and eventually form tumors that are spread throughout the body. Mesothelioma is most often found in the abdomen or lungs, but can also occur in other organs, such as the testicles and the heart. There are many types of mesothelioma, and each type is named for the organ tissue it affects. Typically, the signs of mesothelioma are seen 30 to 50 years after initial exposure. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is difficult to diagnose and it can take years before the disease manifests itself. Asbestos patients need medical assistance to determine the cause and receive treatment. Non-occupational asbestos exposure can increase mesothelioma risk. Indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos occurs when people come in contact with asbestos fibers through contaminated clothing and household items. The exposure can occur when family members clean and wash the clothes of a worker or when someone lives within the vicinity of an industrial asbestos source. Few population-based case control studies have evaluated para-occupational exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma dangers. One study revealed that those living near an asbestos cement factory in Casale Monferrato (northwest Italy) were at chance of developing mesothelioma. The authors attributed this rise due to the proximity of homes to the plant as well as the exposure to air due to the use of asbestos cement products on nearby roadways and buildings. Similar results have been observed in other studies conducted by communities, which have clearly defined industrial sources for para-occupational exposure. However these studies can be difficult to conduct. Some studies have had difficulty distinguishing individuals with occupational or para-occupational exposure to asbestos which could cause them to make errors in assessing the mesothelioma risk of those individuals. Environmental Exposure Asbestos is a class of minerals with microscopic, thin fibers. Because they are invulnerable to chemicals, fire and electricity, asbestos is utilized in a variety industrial processes and products. Mesothelioma is more likely be diagnosed in those who work with asbestos or are exposed to it in different ways. This includes asbestos miners and shipyard workers, as well as asbestos-cement producers and insulators. Mesothelioma is also found in hair and clothing of asbestos workers, putting their family at risk. The most common cause of mesothelioma is occupational exposure to asbestos. A small percentage of cases are reported in people who have had non-occupational exposure to asbestos. In these cases asbestos fibers could have entered the lungs or digestive system through air contamination, or eating contaminated food. Most often, mesothelioma cases have been seen in the families of asbestos-exposed workers. A mesothelioma diagnosis typically occurs years after asbestos exposure, and the tumors are primarily located in the abdomen or chest. The most frequent mesothelioma type is mesothelioma pleural, which affects the lining of the chest cavity. The other most common mesothelioma type affects the abdominal cavity's lining known as the peritoneum. The mesothelioma cells that cause cancer are classified as either epithelioid (epithelioid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid). Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up about 60% to 70% of all mesothelioma cases, and generally has the highest success rate. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is more aggressive, and has a lower prognosis. Biphasic mesothelioma, a type of meso that occurs in 10% to 15% of patients. It combines epithelioid cells with sarcomatoid cells. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. The majority of patients diagnosed with the disease were exposed to asbestos while at work. However, the exact reasons for this gender difference remain unclear. It could be related to more men being employed in industries that commonly employed asbestos, such as construction and manufacturing. Numerous studies have revealed mesothelioma to be more prevalent in areas or communities with multiple asbestos-related sources. For example, one study of mesothelioma cases from 70 communities surrounding sites which were contaminated by vermiculite from the Libby asbestos mine in Montana showed that residents living within 2000 meters of the facility had an elevated mesothelioma risk. Genetic Predisposition In certain cases, genetics may play a role in mesothelioma. The condition is believed to be related to hereditary mutations in genes that interfere with DNA repair mechanisms. Researchers have identified a variety of genes that may lead patients to mesothelioma. Some studies have shown that people with mesothelioma in their family are more likely to develop the disease than people without any family history. The underlying mechanism is not entirely clear. The disease could be caused by occupational or environmental exposure to asbestos. However, not every person exposed to asbestos develops mesothelioma. Many mesothelioma victims have no asbestos exposure, and a few individuals who have extensive occupational exposure don't develop the disease. Research suggests that these patients may have genetic mutations that interfere with normal DNA repair processes. A genetic test for mesothelioma is used to determine whether the patient has hereditary mutations that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. The test can be conducted by a physician using samples of saliva or blood. The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing. Most of the time, the results of the test are available within two weeks. Some families with multiple mesothelioma cases carry a gene mutation in BAP1. This gene is involved in repairing damaged DNA. The mutation can cause cells to overproduce cancerous cells, which can then spread to other organs and cause mesothelioma. The genetic mesothelioma test is an excellent tool for identifying asbestos-related illnesses. They can help doctors understand the causes of asbestos-related diseases and devise more efficient treatments. The unintentional exposure to asbestos can be avoided by avoiding occupational and environmental exposure to the substance. Individuals who have mesothelioma in their family should talk to their physicians regarding the possibility of genetic risk. Some individuals may also benefit from mesothelioma screening programmes that involve a blood or cheek swab sample. In these programs, a patient's mesothelioma prognosis is assessed by a team of experts. A mesothelioma patient's treatment strategy is designed according to the specific diagnosis. Treatment Mesothelioma develops when minuscule asbestos fibers get into the body, causing damage that can lead to cancer. Asbestos exposure can happen in a variety of ways, such as when workers break up asbestos to remove it, or when people carry the fibers home on their clothes and skin after leaving work. These fibers can enter the stomach and lungs which can cause irritation that leads to cancer. Symptoms of mesothelioma don't appear for 20 to 50 years after exposure, therefore it is crucial that those who might have been exposed to asbestos visit their doctor as soon as they can. Most mesothelioma patients are male and the most frequent type of the disease is one that affects the linings of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma). Other mesothelioma types can occur in the linings the stomach, peritoneum, or the linings of the testicles and heart. Like all types of cancer, mesothelioma occurs when cells start to grow out of control and form a tumor. The abnormal cells can then spread to other areas of the body, and eventually cause more cancerous tumors to form. Researchers are still unable to fully comprehend the causes of mesothelioma. However, they do know that asbestos exposure is a significant risk factor. Patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma usually receive chemotherapy and surgery to treat their symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. It is essential for people who have been exposed to asbestos to be vigilant about their health and talk to their physicians about their working experience. Mesothelioma patients must also undergo regular tests for symptoms of asbestos and other possible health issues. Mesothelioma can be characterized by pain and fluid accumulation 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. Symptoms can be similar to other conditions and illnesses and, therefore, mesothelioma can be wrongly diagnosed. X-rays and bloodwork can confirm the diagnosis. Some mesothelioma sufferers may also have genetic mutations in their DNA that increase their chances of developing the disease. Patients should talk to their physician about genetic counselling.