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Mesothelioma cancer risk
Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma cancer. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma cancer has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis ( a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment ), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.
Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma cancer. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung
Diagnosing mesothelioma
Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions . Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history and a complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT ) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A biopsy is often used to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if the mesothelioma has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.
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