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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Anyone who uses products containing asbestos are at risk of ingesting asbestos fibers. These fibers penetrate the chest cavity's lining or abdomen, also known as the peritoneum and pleura. Exposure to asbestos can result in a lifetime risk of malignant, pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma. While the risk does appear to diminish after more than 40 years of exposure, even a small amount of asbestos exposure is dangerous. Age The more senior a person is when they are exposed, the more likely they will develop mesothelioma. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium – an extremely thin layer that surrounds the major organs of the body. The cancerous cells grow in uncontrolled ways and develop into tumors. Mesothelioma is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos. This could happen through their work or being a close family member. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma due to the irritation of the mesothelium. Pleural mesothelioma is typically found in the linings of the lungs, but it can also affect the linings of the abdomen and peritoneum as well as the lining of the heart. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, is durable and heat-resistant. It was used in construction as well as insulation and other industrial applications up to the 1980s. In the 1980s millions of Americans were either exposed to asbestos as a result of their jobs or being near loved ones who were exposed to asbestos. When asbestos is disturbed it releases fibers into the air. They can be inhaled and they're too tough for the body to break down or process. The fibers could cause irritation and even cancer in the lungs when they get stuck. Mesothelioma symptoms are typically not likely to show up until years after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are similar to those of other cancers but they can also be fatal if they are not treated. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women, and it is most commonly diagnosed in those over 45. Those who are at the most risk of developing mesothelioma because of workplace asbestos exposure include miners, ship builders railroad workers, and those who handled or installed products made with asbestos. Family members of these people are also at greater risk due to the fact that asbestos can be absorbed into their clothing. Smoking The chances of a person developing mesothelioma increases the longer they're exposed asbestos. This is due to the lengthy latency period which can last between 20 and 60 year from first exposure until diagnosis. Depending on the kind of asbestos, a person's mesothelioma could be found in various regions of the body. Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lining between the lung cavity and the chest wall (the pleura). Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the abdomen's lining, also known as the peritoneum. Most of the time, those who have been exposed to radiation develop mesothelioma in the chest or lungs. People who worked in the power generation, shipbuilding and construction sectors are the most at risk. However, mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos at home or at school. Children and spouses of asbestos-exposed workers may bring fibers from the workplace home and smear them on their clothes hair, skin and hair. This puts them at risk. Mesothelioma patients tend to be white and older than 65. They are also more likely to have a blue-collar job or military background. Asbestos was extensively used by the United States Navy and other branches in the military because of its flame-resistant qualities. Millions of veterans were exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma may develop when DNA of an individual undergoes changes that cause cells to multiply without control. This leads to the formation of tumors, which then transform into mesothelioma. Henderson asbestos lawsuit can affect any part of the body, but typically, it is found in the chest or abdomen. Smoking cigarettes does not cause mesothelioma. However it increases the risk of getting this cancer by increasing the amount of asbestos that one breathes. Anyone who has been exposed asbestos should quit smoking. Furthermore, a person's mesothelioma treatment program should include an experienced doctor who is knowledgeable about asbestos exposure and the risk factors that can cause this cancer. A mesothelioma specialist can help determine the best treatment for this rare cancer. The doctor will be able to determine whether a patient is eligible for immunotherapy or experimental treatments. Asbestos Exposure Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is used in a variety of items like flooring, roofing, and insulation. Workers who handle, manufacture or work with asbestos-containing products are at risk of exposure. Exposure to asbestos fibers in the air can lead to cancer and illness. Many asbestos-related diseases aren't diagnosed until it's too late because there is 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 year after asbestos exposure. The most common way people are exposed to asbestos is through occupational exposure. Construction, manufacturing, electrical and auto mechanic jobs all require the handling of asbestos-containing components and materials. However, people can also be exposed to asbestos by home activities, like smoking cigarettes or renovating older houses that contain asbestos. The majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos inhalation. As asbestos fibers inhaled can travel to the lung, where they can cause irritation to the lining known as pleura. This irritation can lead to the development of thickened pleura patches (pleural plaques) and fibrosis of the lungs. As the disease advances, it may cause to the accumulation of fluid within the chest cavity, and eventually lung cancer. Mesothelioma can also affect the tissue of other organs such as the abdomen and the heart. Mesothelioma is most common in those who have been exposed to asbestos while working. People with a family history or mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related diseases are also at risk. A person's risk is also increased if they have been exposed to asbestos in multiple jobs throughout their life. Smoking does increase the risk of mesothelioma, however, it can also worsen the condition for those already diagnosed. If you have an history of exposure to asbestos and have mesothelioma symptoms, quitting smoking can make you healthier and improve your treatment outcome. Inform your doctor if have been exposed to asbestos or if you experience any new symptoms like abdominal pain or a shortness of breathing. They may prescribe medication or operate to treat the disease. Genetics Many cancers are genetically related which means that a person's genes may increase the likelihood of them getting a particular disease. Mesothelioma, however, does not have a gene component. The exposure to asbestos is the main reason. Asbestos fibers may enter the body via inhalation or swallowing and stick to the tissues of the chest, abdomen or the heart. Over time, these loose fibers can damage or mutate the cells that compose these linings. This can lead to mesothelioma's development. Despite this, mesothelioma does not affect every person who is exposed. Researchers believe that other aspects can affect whether a person gets mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. This includes age, gender, the family history of mesothelioma as well as other diseases as in addition to any other risk factors, such as smoking. Men are more likely than women to develop mesothelioma. This may be because more men than women were directly exposed to asbestos at work. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 20 and 60 year after the first exposure to asbestos. A defective gene is a further risk factor for mesothelioma. In the study 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 flow of calcium within cells. A defective gene can disrupt this process, causing calcium levels to decrease. This allows asbestos to mutate healthy cells into cancerous ones and trigger mesothelioma. A gene that is mutated can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure. The mutated gene results in the loss of white blood cells. These cells are responsible for fighting cancerous cells. The kind of asbestos to which a person was exposed as well as their work can also increase a person's risk of mesothelioma. The polio vaccine that was given to children between 1940 and 1950, may also increase a person’s mesothelioma risk by exposing them the cancer-causing SV40.