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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can occur at work or at home. Coughing, chest discomfort and dry throat are all symptoms of asbestosis pleural. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, fluid accumulation and testicular carcinoma. There are four mesothelioma types. Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most commonly encountered type. Exposure to Work 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 toxic mineral is used in many industries and, when it breaks down, creates fine dust that could be breathed in or ingested. In the past asbestos exposure was prevalent in a variety of professions. These include asbestos insulation plumbers, electricians, engineers, shipyard workers, and manufacturers of automotive parts, brake pads and clutches. Construction workers who are exposed to asbestos in their building materials, or while building new structures, are at the chance of being exposed. Mesothelioma develops when mesothelial cells become mutated and start to grow out of control, and eventually form tumors that can spread throughout the body. Mesothelioma usually forms in the abdomen or lungs, but can also occur in other organs, like the testicles and heart. There are different mesothelioma types. Each type is named after the organ it affects. Typically, the signs of mesothelioma appear 30 to 50 years after the initial exposure. Mesothelioma can be a rare type of cancer that can be difficult to detect. It could take a long time for symptoms to be evident. Asbestos patients must seek medical attention to receive an diagnosis and treatment. The exposure of non-occupational asbestos can increase the risk of mesothelioma. Secondary or indirect exposures happen when people come in contact with asbestos fibers through clothes that are contaminated or other household items. The exposure can occur when family members clean and wash one's work clothes, or when someone lives near an industrial asbestos source. A few studies on population-based case control have assessed the effects of para-occupational exposure asbestos and mesothelioma risk. One study showed that people living near an asbestos cement factory in Casale Monferrato (northwest Italy) were at high chance of developing mesothelioma. The authors attributed the rise in mesothelioma risks to the proximity of residents to the plant, as well as exposure to the air from the use of asbestos cement products on nearby roads and buildings. Other community-based studies with more precisely defined industrial sources of para-occupational exposure have yielded similar results. However, these studies can be difficult to conduct. Certain studies have encountered difficulties in separating individuals who have been exposed to occupational or para-occupational exposure to asbestos, which could cause to errors in assessing the mesothelioma risks of those individuals. Environmental Exposure Asbestos is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers. Because they are invulnerable to chemicals, fire and electricity, asbestos has been used in a variety of industrial processes and products. Mesothelioma is more likely develop in those who work with asbestos or are exposed to it in other ways. This includes asbestos miners, shipyard workers as well as asbestos-cement producers and insulation. Mesothelioma can also be transmitted through hair and clothing of asbestos workers, putting the family at risk. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the main cause of mesothelioma. However, a few of cases have been reported in individuals with non-occupational (para-occupational) exposure to asbestos. In these cases, asbestos fibers could have entered the lungs or digestive tract through contaminated air, or by eating food contaminated with asbestos. These mesothelioma deaths have usually occurred in the families of asbestos-exposed workers. The diagnosis of mesothelioma is typically made decades after asbestos exposure. Tumors are typically found in the chest and abdomen. The most frequent mesothelioma type affects the lining in the chest cavity. The other type of mesothelioma affects the abdominal cavity's lining known as the peritoneum. The mesothelioma cancer cells are classified as epithelioid or sarcomatoid. About 60% to 70 percent of mesothelioma is epithelioid, and it has the best prognosis. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is more aggressive and has a less favorable prognosis. Biphasic mesothelioma is a form that is seen in 10% to 15 percent of patients. It is composed of epithelioid cell with sarcomatoid cells. Mesothelioma is more common in men than women, and the majority of mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos via work-related exposure. The reason behind this gender gap is still undetermined. It could be related to the fact that more men are employed in industries that frequently employed asbestos, such as manufacturing and construction. Multiple studies have shown that mesothelioma is more common in communities or areas with multiple asbestos-related sources. A study of mesothelioma in 70 communities that were contaminated with Vermiculite from the Libby Asbestos Mine in Montana found that residents who lived within 2000m of these facilities had a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Genetic Predisposition In some instances, genetics play a role in mesothelioma. The condition is thought to be caused by hereditary changes in genes that affect DNA repair mechanisms. Researchers have identified genes that might predispose a patient to mesothelioma. Certain studies have revealed that those with mesothelioma-related family history are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who do not have any family history. The mechanism behind the cause of the disease isn't completely understood. Sunrise asbestos lawsuits is known that environmental and occupational asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma. Not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma. Certain mesothelioma patients have not been exposed to asbestos, and others who have had a lot of occupational exposure never develop this disease. Research suggests that these patients have genetic mutations that affect normal DNA repair processes. A mesothelioma genetic test is used to determine if someone has hereditary gene mutations that increase the likelihood of developing this disease. The test can be performed by a doctor who takes a sample from saliva or blood. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. In most cases the results of the test will be available within two weeks. A few families with multiple cases of mesothelioma have a mutation in BAP1. This gene is involved in repairing damaged DNA. The mutation can cause cancerous cells to grow exponentially. cells that then spread to other parts of the body and cause mesothelioma. The genetic mesothelioma test is an excellent tool for identifying diseases related to asbestos. They can help doctors better know the causes of mesothelioma and develop more effective treatment plans. Avoiding occupational and environmental asbestos exposure can reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos that is not intended for. Talk to your doctor if you have a family background of mesothelioma. Some people could also benefit from mesothelioma screening procedures that require blood or a cheek swabs. In these programs the mesothelioma prognosis of a patient is evaluated by a group of experts. The patient's mesothelioma treatment plan is then formulated based on their specific diagnosis. Treatment Mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers cause damage to the body that leads to cancer. Asbestos can be exposed in a variety of ways, for example as when workers degrade asbestos in order to eliminate it, or when people bring the fibers home with them on their clothing and skin after a day of work. These fibers can get into the lungs and the stomach, where they cause irritation, which can lead to cancer. The signs of mesothelioma may not be apparent for 20 to 50 years after exposure, so it is crucial that those who might have been exposed to asbestos visit their doctor as soon as they can. The majority of mesothelioma patients are men and the most frequent form of the disease affects the lining of the lung (pleural mesothelioma). Other types of mesothelioma can be found in the linings of the stomach, peritoneum, or the linings of the testicles and heart. As with all forms of cancer, mesothelioma is caused when cells grow in uncontrolled ways, eventually forming a tumor. The abnormal cells can spread to other parts of the body, causing more cancerous tumours. Researchers aren't sure of the causes of mesothelioma. However, they are aware that exposure to asbestos is an important risk factor. Patients suffering from mesothelioma are usually treated with chemotherapy and surgery in order to slow down the progression of their disease. People who have been exposed to asbestos should monitor their health and speak to their medical professionals about the work history. Mesothelioma patients must also undergo regular tests to detect signs of asbestos and other possible issues. Mesothelioma is characterized by pain and the accumulation of fluid around the lungs. Other symptoms include chest pain, feeling that the chest and abdomen are under pressure abdominal swelling, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as fever. The symptoms can be similar to other conditions and illnesses which is why mesothelioma may be wrongly diagnosed. 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. Patients should talk to their doctor about genetic counseling.