Mesothelioma Cancer Type of Asbestos Cancer
Mesothelioma is a rare, but aggressive cancer; occurring in about 2,000-3,000 new cases each year in the United States. It develops in the mesothelial cells which line several organs and body cavities. This type of cancer usually attacks the lung’s lining and the lining of the heart or abdomen, and rarely, the lining of the testicles. There are four types of mesothelioma:
1. Pleural mesothelioma which occurs in 75 percent of diagnosed patients. It develops in the lining of lungs.
2. Peritoneal mesothelioma which develops in the peritoneum of the abdomen. The peritonueum is a lining that
blankets the abdominal cavity and encloses abdominal organs.
3. Pericardial mesothelioma which develops in the pericardium, which surrounds the heart.
4. Testicular mesothelioma which attacks the lining of the testicles, called the tunica vaginalis.
Symptoms of mesothelioma occur between 20-50 years after asbestos exposure. Because the symptoms are similar to influenza, this cancer is difficult to diagnose. Symptoms include:
• shortness of breath
• persistent coughing
• chest pains
• fatigue
• fever or night sweats
• unexplained weight loss
Currently there is no cure for mesothelioma, but some patients elect treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation in order to live more comfortably with the disease. Some patients elect to participate in clinical trials of new medications and treatment options
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Lung cancer was the first cancer linked to asbestos exposure. The most common type of lung cancer caused by asbestos is non-small cell lung cancer. About 80 percent of those diagnosed with lung cancer will have this type. It is estimated that in the United States 10,000 people each year die from asbestos related lung cancer. Lung cancer symptoms develop years after exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include:
• Coughing and chest pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Change in sputum color or volume
• Blood in the sputum
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Headaches
Diagnosis is made from a tissue sample of the lung. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Many victims of lung cancer related to asbestos suffer from asbestosis which is a scarring of the lung tissue and is also caused by asbestos exposure. While there have been numerous studies to determine whether asbestosis is present in all cases of lung cancer; it has not been proven to be a reliable factor.
Other Cancers Related to Asbestos
Colon, rectal, and colorectal cancers have a higher incidence rate in those who have been exposed to asbestos. Colorectal cancer is the second largest cause of cancer deaths in the United States. While there is no definitive evidence that asbestos causes colorectal cancer; there is evidence that there is a possible correlation between exposure to asbestos and the development of colorectal cancer. People who are smokers and have been exposed to asbestos are at a 36 percent higher risk than nonsmokers in developing colorectal cancer. In addition to smoking, other factors that affect the possibility of developing asbestos related cancer include the amount of asbestos of the exposure, the length of time of the exposure and overall health and medical history of the person exposed.
As with other asbestos related cancers, colorectal cancer is difficult to diagnose as symptoms take decades to present. Symptoms include:
• blood in the stool
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• unexplained weight loss
Preventive screening is recommended, especially for those who have been exposed to asbestos.
Laryngeal and throat cancer have been associated with exposure to high levels of asbestos, as has gastrointestinal cancer. There is evidence that workers exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers. People diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer are at risk for developing cancers in the stomach. As with the other cancers, symptoms of laryngeal, throat and gastrointestinal cancers related to asbestos may not show up for decades after the initial exposure. People with gastrointestinal cancer may not show symptoms in the early stages of the cancer. If the cancer spread to the liver the symptoms include:
• Flushing of the neck
• Stomach ailments
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
As with other types of cancer, the amount of asbestos and length of time exposed is a factor in risks of developing these types of cancers. Other risk factors include smoking, overall health and medical history of the person exposed.
Cancer doctors diagnose diseases related to asbestos by using a variety of methods including blood and urine tests and imagining scans, as well as reviewing the medical history of the patient. People who have been exposed to asbestos are advised to seek medical advice from a qualified physician and in some cases, the counsel of a knowledgeable attorney.
Sources:
National Cancer Institute
Mayo Clinic
