familygeese42

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure People who use products that contain asbestos are at risk of inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. The fibers penetrate the tissue of the abdomen and chest cavity, called the pleura or the peritoneum. Exposure to asbestos can result in a lifetime risk of malignant, mesothelioma that is peritoneal or pleural. Although the risk appears to decrease after more than 40 years of exposure, even the smallest exposure to asbestos is risky. Age The older a person gets when they are exposed the more likely they will develop mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can affect the mesothelium, an elongated layer that surrounds the major organs of the body. The cancerous cells are malignant, meaning they grow out of control and develop into tumors. Mesothelioma typically affects people who have been exposed to asbestos. This could be due to their work or being a close family member. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma because it irritates the mesothelium. The lining of the lungs (pleura) is the most affected by pleural mesothelioma, although it can also affect the lining of the abdomen and peritoneum or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is durable and heat-resistant. It was utilized in the construction industry, insulation and other industrial applications until the 1980s. In the 1980s millions of Americans were either exposed to asbestos because of their work or living near someone who was exposed to asbestos. When asbestos is disturbed it releases fibers into the air. They are too tough for the body's system to break them down or process. The fibers could cause irritation and even cancer in the lungs if they become stuck. Mesothelioma symptoms are typically not likely to show up until years after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are similar with other cancers, and may be fatal if not treated. Mesothelioma affects men more often than women, and it is the most frequently diagnosed in those who are over 45. The people who are at highest risk of developing mesothelioma because asbestos exposure at work include ship builders, miners railroad workers, and others who worked with or installed products made of asbestos. Family members of these people are also at a higher risk since asbestos could be found on their clothing. Smoking The longer an individual is exposed to asbestos, the higher their risk of developing mesothelioma. This is due to the long time of latency which can range from 20 and 60 years from initial exposure to the disease until it is diagnosed. Depending on the type of asbestos, a patient's mesothelioma could be found in various areas of the body. Miramar asbestos attorney of the chest and the lung cavity (the pleura) is affected by mesothelioma pleural. Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining, called the peritoneum. Those who have been exposed to asbestos the most often develop mesothelioma that is found in their chests or lung. The most at risk are those working in shipbuilding, power production and construction. Mesothelioma is also a possible risk for those who have been exposed at home or in school to asbestos. This is due to the fact that children and spouses of workers who were exposed to asbestos can carry the asbestos fibers to their clothing, skin and hair, which can put them at risk as well. People with mesothelioma are typically white and over the age of 65. They are also more likely to have a blue-collar job or military background. The United States Navy and other branches of the military used asbestos extensively because of its flame-resistant properties, and millions of veterans may have been exposed to it. Mesothelioma can form when an individual's DNA undergoes alterations that cause cells to multiply without control. This could lead to the growth of tumors which eventually develop into mesothelioma. The disease can be affecting any part of the body, however typically, it is found in the chest or abdomen. Smoking causes mesothelioma however it increases your risk by increasing the amount of asbestos you breathe in. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should quit smoking. The treatment plan of a patient with mesothelioma must also include a physician who is well-versed in asbestos exposure and risk factors. A mesothelioma expert can assist determine the best treatment for this rare cancer. The doctor can determine if the patient is eligible for immunotherapy or other experimental treatments. Asbestos Exposure Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is used in many different products, including insulation, roofing and flooring. Anyone who works with asbestos-containing products and manufacture them, or work with them are at a high risk of exposure. The exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to breathing them into the lungs, which can cause illness and cancer. Many asbestos-related diseases aren't diagnosed until it's too late due to a long time period between exposure and the onset of symptoms. Mesothelioma is the most hazardous asbestos disease. Mesothelioma symptoms can appear between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure. The most common way that people are exposed. Any job that involves asbestos handling or use include those in construction, manufacturing automotive mechanics, as well as electrical. However, people can also be exposed to asbestos by home activities, like smoking cigarettes or renovating older houses that contain asbestos. Inhalation of asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled can travel into the lungs and irritate the lining called the pleura. This irritation leads to the development of thickened patches on the pleura (pleural plaques) and fibrosis of the lungs. As the disease progresses, it can lead to fluid accumulation in the chest cavity (pleural effusion) and ultimately to lung cancer. Mesothelioma may also affect the tissues of other organs like the heart and abdomen. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in those who have been exposed to asbestos while working. People who have a family history of mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases are also at risk. The risk of a person being diagnosed with asbestos is higher if they've been exposed to asbestos at multiple times over their lifetime. Smoking does not increase the likelihood of mesothelioma but it can make the condition worse for those who have already been diagnosed. Quitting smoking cigarettes is beneficial if you have an asbestos-related exposure in the past and are suffering from mesothelioma. It can also help you live longer, and improve the results of your treatment. It is essential to inform your doctor about your exposure to asbestos and any new symptoms, such as breathlessness or abdominal pain, since they can treat the condition by undergoing surgery or medication. Genetics Many cancers are genetically related and a person's genes may increase the chance of developing a specific disease. Mesothelioma, however, does not have a gene component. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause. Asbestos fibers enter the body by being inhaled or swallowed, and they stick to the lining of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum) or around the heart (the pericardium). Over time these fibers that are loose can cause damage or alteration to the cells that compose these tiny linings, which could lead to mesothelioma's development. Despite this, mesothelioma does not affect everyone who is exposed. Researchers believe that other factors could determine if a person develops mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. This could include a person's age and gender and their family history of mesothelioma or other illnesses, and whether they have additional risk factors, such as smoking. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop in males than females. This is due to the fact that more males than females were exposed directly to asbestos at work. Mesothelioma can develop between 20 and 60 years after the first exposure to asbestos. A defective gene is a further risk factor for mesothelioma. In an investigation of two families with high mesothelioma rates researchers found that nearly every member of the family had an abnormal gene on their short arm chromosome 3. This gene, dubbed BAP 1, regulates the movement of calcium within cells. When a gene is not functioning properly the process is disrupted and calcium levels drop. This allows asbestos to turn healthy cells into cancerous cells and cause mesothelioma. Additionally an mutated gene in the immune system of a person can also raise the chance of developing mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos. The mutated gene results in the loss of white blood cells. These cells are responsible for fighting cancerous cells. Other factors that can raise the risk of mesothelioma in a person include the kind of asbestos they were exposed to and their work. Additionally the polio vaccine that was given to children in the 1940s and 1950s could increase the risk of mesothelioma in a person by exposing them to the cancer-causing SV40 virus.