Mesothelioma - Chances of Getting Mesothelioma From Asbestos Exposure

The chance of developing mesothelioma is increased when exposed to asbestos. However, it's not fully understood whether the risk decreases after exposure ends.

A mesothelioma happens when asbestos fibers become stuck in the lung's lining (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). There are several types of mesothelioma. There are many types of mesothelioma.

Age

The chances of a person developing mesothelioma depend on several factors. This includes the age at which the person's first exposure to asbestos as well as the type of asbestos, and the duration of the exposure. The signs of mesothelioma typically start in the lungs, and then spread to other areas. Therefore, those who have been exposed to asbestos in the lungs are most likely to develop this condition. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the abdomen's lining, the peritoneum, are less likely to develop mesothelioma.

The more severe mesothelioma is, the older the person is when diagnosed. This is due to the 20-60 year period between exposure to asbestos and the first symptoms of mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a natural mineral with fibrous bundles that can form thin sheets or clump together to form an impermeable material. Between the 1930s to 1980s its durability and flexibility made asbestos a sought-after material. During this time millions of Americans were exposed to asbestos through secondary or occupational exposure. Workplace exposure occurs when employees are exposed to asbestos in their work. Secondary exposure occurs when asbestos fibers are brought home on hair, clothing or skin and unknowingly inhaled by family members.

Inhaling asbestos fibers irritate the lung's lining as well as other organs, including the heart. Over time this irritation may cause scarring, inflammation and mutation of healthy cells into cancerous ones.

Mesothelioma lung cancer, also known as mesothelioma, is a cancer that affects the pleura. It can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart and stomach.

People with a blue-collar, military or background are more likely to be exposed to asbestos as they work in certain industries or serve in the military. However those who have been exposed to asbestos at home or from other sources may be at risk.

Additionally, people who carry the BAP1 gene mutation have a higher chance of developing mesothelioma than people without this condition. These individuals are usually diagnosed between 50 and 70.

Gender

Mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than in women. This is likely because men worked in areas that were more vulnerable to asbestos exposure. Men may have also carried home the asbestos fibers on their clothes from work sites. Asbestos is most often found in mines and factories which produce asbestos products such as pipes, insulation tiles, cement and tiles the most at risk of developing mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma has also been found in those who built or repaired railroad or automotive products, and also those who constructed ships and made gas masks. Chrysotile exposure, the most popular type of asbestos is usually related to mesothelioma.

The likelihood of developing mesothelioma is increased with the duration and intensity of exposure to asbestos. Most mesothelioma cases occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos for 30 or more years. A person's latency period may be different based on their gender and form of asbestos compensation exposure.

It isn't clear why women have a longer mesothelioma recurrence. One reason is that many of the women who developed mesothelioma worked as housekeepers and could have come in contact with asbestos while washing the clothes of their husbands, fathers and brothers.

When mesothelioma was a more prevalent disease, asbestos was used in a myriad of commercial and residential building materials. The fibers were found in insulation, drywall paint, pipe coating and cement. Many of these products were used in workplaces and homes, where the asbestos was frequently disturbed during renovations or construction.

While mesothelioma was used as an industrial substance, asbestos was found in many types of buildings, including schools, churches, hospitals, and offices. A majority of these buildings were built before the 1980s which was when asbestos was banned.

Asbestos is a complex substance, and scientists are continuing to study its health effects, especially mesothelioma. Research studies are investigating how asbestos affects the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract, which is where mesothelioma typically affects patients. They are also examining whether different factors might influence mesothelioma incidence, such as gender and the level of exposure to asbestos.

Work History

A person is more likely to get mesothelioma from asbestos exposure working in an industry where asbestos was utilized for a long time. Asbestos was used extensively in construction and building in the 1920s until the 1980s. Many jobs were at risk of exposure, including mining, manufacturing power generation, shipbuilding and asbestos removal.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous minerals. It is heat resistant and strong which makes it suitable for a variety products. The fibers of asbestos are used to make insulation, brake pads and roofing, among other things. When asbestos is disturbed or cut, it releases microscopic particles that can be ingested or inhaled.

It can develop much earlier than 60 years. It can occur in the lungs, in the chest wall (peritoneal mesothelioma pleural), or the abdomen.

It isn't known the reasons why patients with a history of mesothelioma are more at risk of developing the disease. A mutation in a gene called BAP1 has been linked to mesothelioma, however it's a rare.

A person could be at risk for mesothelioma if they were in a relationship with someone who worked with asbestos and then brought the asbestos fibers to their clothing hair, skin and even their hair. This is referred to as secondary exposure. Workers in industries that have high exposure to asbestos (more info here) are at risk of bringing home fibers onto their clothing and shoes. These fibers could be breathed in by family members or consumed at home.

Asbestosis is a lung condition to mesothelioma often occurs as a result of breathing asbestos fibers. Asbestosis typically develops in the lungs, and can lead to fluid buildup around the ribcage and cause breathing difficulties and coughing, chest pain, and a lump on the ribcage.

Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world, mostly because asbestos was used extensively here for many years in building, manufacturing and mining. A doctor first identified the link between asbestos and mesothelioma in 1930, which led England to pass laws that regulated asbestos in the 1930s. These laws forced businesses to install ventilation equipment and other safety equipment.

Smoking

Like many types of cancer, mesothelioma is caused by cells receiving faulty genetic information and grow unchecked. The cells can develop into tumors when they are found in the lung and abdominal cavity (peritoneum), or heart (pericardium). There is no cure for mesothelioma. However there are many factors that can increase the risk of developing the disease.

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor. The asbestos fibers that are inhaled into the lungs can cause irritation to the lung's lining as well as the chest wall, which may cause mesothelioma. People who are exposed to asbestos in the workplace are more likely to developing mesothelioma compared to those who were not exposed. The type of asbestos the person was exposed to is also a significant factor. Different types of asbestos have a different impact on the lungs as well as a person's health. For example, chrysotile asbestos is more prone to mesothelioma than amphiboles such as amosite or crocidolite.

A person's mesothelioma-related family history can also increase his or her mesothelioma risk. Mesothelioma is uncommon in younger adults and children however, it can occur in young adults if they were around an adult who was exposed to asbestos. People who are mesothelioma-related illness or with mesothelioma are at an increased chance of developing the disease because they can breathe asbestos fibers on hair, skin and clothing.

The type of work a person performed can affect the risk of developing mesothelioma. People who worked on power plants, ships, or other areas where asbestos was used have a higher mesothelioma risk than those who were not exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma incidences are higher for those working in certain industries such as construction or manufacturing.

The age, gender and race of a person may influence their mesothelioma. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women, as are those who have an ancestral history of the disease. This is because women are less likely to work in asbestos-related industries and men are more likely than others to be exposed to asbestos in the workplace.