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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure The exposure to asbestos is the reason of mesothelioma. The exposure could be at work or at the home. Coughing, chest pain and dry throat are the main symptoms of the pleural asbestosis. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, fluid accumulation and testicular carcinoma. There are four mesothelioma types. Pleural mesothelioma is the most prevalent type. Occupational Exposure Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. The cancer affects the tissues of certain organs such as the lungs or abdomen. This toxic mineral is utilized in many industries and, when it breaks down, it creates fine dust that can 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 employees, and the manufacture of automotive parts such as brake pads and clutches. Construction workers exposed to asbestos through construction materials or when building new structures, are at the risk of exposure. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when mesothelial develop mutations and begin to expand out of control, and eventually form tumors that can spread throughout the body. Mesothelioma is most often found in the abdomen or lungs however it can also be found in other organs, such as the testicles and heart. There are different types of mesothelioma. Each type is named after the organ it affects. Typically, the symptoms of mesothelioma appear 30 to 50 years after initial exposure. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can be difficult to detect, and it can take decades for the disease to manifest itself. Asbestos victims require medical attention to get a diagnosis and receive treatment. Non-occupational asbestos exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma. Secondary or indirect exposures happen when people come in contact with asbestos fibers through clothing that is contaminated or other household items. These contacts may occur when family members clean and wash the clothes of a worker or when people live within the vicinity of an industrial asbestos source. A few studies that are based on population-based case-control have evaluated para-occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk. One study showed mesothelioma risks that were significant in the communities that are near an asbestos cement plant located in Casale Monferrato, northwest Italy. The authors attributed the rise in mesothelioma-related risk due to the proximity of homes to the plant and exposure to the air from the use of asbestos cement products on nearby roads and buildings. Similar results have been found in other studies involving communities, which have clearly defined industrial sources of occupational exposure. 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 can lead to errors in assessing the mesothelioma risk of these individuals. Environmental Exposure Asbestos is made up of a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers. Because they are invulnerable to fire, chemicals and electricity, asbestos is used in a variety of industrial processes and products. People who work with these materials or are exposed to them in other ways have a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes asbestos miners, shipyard workers, asbestos-cement manufacturers, and insulation. Mesothelioma is also spread through clothing and hair of asbestos workers, putting the family at risk. The most common cause of mesothelioma is occupational exposure to asbestos. A few cases are reported by people who have had non-occupational exposure to asbestos. In these cases asbestos fibers may have gotten into the lungs or digestive system through air contamination, or by eating food contaminated with asbestos. These mesothelioma deaths have usually occurred in families of asbestos-exposed workers. The diagnosis of mesothelioma usually established after asbestos exposure for a long time. Tumors are typically found in the chest and abdomen. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is mesothelioma pleural which affects the chest cavity's lining. The peritoneum is the lining of your abdominal cavity and is the second most commonly-used mesothelioma type that is malignant. The mesothelioma cancer cells are classified as epithelioid or even sarcomatoid. About 60% to 70 percent of mesothelioma is epithelioid and has the best prognosis. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, is more aggressive and has a less favorable prognosis. Between 10% and 15% of mesothelioma patients have biphasic types that combines epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells. Mesothelioma is a more frequent occurrence in males than females and the majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos via workplace exposure. However, the reasons behind this gender gap remain unclear. It could be due to the higher percentage of men employed in fields that typically use asbestos, such as construction and manufacturing. Multiple studies have shown mesothelioma to be more prevalent in communities or areas with multiple asbestos-related sources. A study of mesothelioma in 70 communities contaminated by Vermiculite from the Libby Asbestos Mine in Montana found that residents who lived within 2000m of these facilities had a greater risk of mesothelioma. Genetic Predisposition In a few cases genetics may play a part in mesothelioma. The disease is believed to be caused by hereditary changes in genes that affect DNA repair mechanisms. Researchers have identified genes that could predispose a patient to mesothelioma. Certain studies have revealed that people with mesothelioma in their family are more likely to develop the disease than people without any family history. The mechanism behind the cause of the disease isn't completely understood. It is well-known that environmental and occupational exposure to asbestos can cause the disease. However, not everyone exposed to asbestos develops mesothelioma. Some mesothelioma patients have never been exposed to asbestos, while others who have had extensive occupational exposure do not develop the disease. Bellflower asbestos lawyers who are exposed to asbestos are likely to have genetic mutations that hinder DNA repair processes. A genetic test for mesothelioma is used to determine if a person has hereditary gene mutations that can increase the risk of developing the disease. The test can be conducted by a doctor using samples of 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 mutation in the gene BAP1. This gene is involved in repairing damaged DNA. The mutation could cause cancerous cells to become over-produced which later spread to other parts of your body, causing mesothelioma. The genetic mesothelioma test is an effective tool to identify asbestos-related illnesses. They can help doctors better comprehend the mesothelioma's root causes and create more effective treatment strategies. Avoiding exposure to asbestos at work and in the environment can help prevent the risk of wrongful asbestos exposure. People with a family history of mesothelioma should consult their doctors about the potential genetic risk. Some individuals may also benefit from mesothelioma screening procedures that involve a blood or cheek swabs. In these programs the prognosis of a patient's mesothelioma is assessed by a team of experts. The treatment plan for mesothelioma patients is designed based on the specific diagnosis. Treatment Mesothelioma develops when minuscule asbestos fibers enter the body, causing damage that ultimately leads to cancer. Asbestos is exposed in many ways, such as when workers degrade asbestos to remove it or when people take the fibers home with them on their clothes and skin after work. The fibers can be absorbed by the lungs and stomach, where they can cause irritation, which leads to cancer. The signs of mesothelioma can not appear for up to 50 years after exposure. It is crucial that anyone who has been exposed to asbestos consults their doctor right away. The majority of mesothelioma cases are men and the disease most 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. As with any form of cancer, mesothelioma can be caused by cells that grow in uncontrolled ways, eventually forming a tumor. The abnormal cells can expand to other parts of the body and lead to more cancerous tumors. Researchers aren't sure what causes mesothelioma, but they do know that asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. Patients suffering from mesothelioma are usually treated with chemotherapy and surgical procedures to stop the progression of their disease. People who have been exposed asbestos should be aware of their health and speak to their doctors about the work history. Mesothelioma patients should also get regular tests to detect symptoms of asbestos and other possible issues. Mesothelioma can be characterized by pain and the accumulation of fluid around the lungs. Other symptoms include chest pain, a feeling that the abdomen and chest are under pressure abdominal swelling, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well a fever. Mesothelioma may have symptoms similar to other illnesses and conditions. X-rays and blood tests will confirm the diagnosis. Certain mesothelioma patients could have genetic modifications in their DNA, which increase their chances of developing the disease. These patients should speak to their physician about genetic counselling.