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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos claim. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and breathlessness and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most common jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos case (bravogam.com) in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should consult an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or used to do such. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos settlement.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos law, but did not engage directly with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos attorney exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes or other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or observed by naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart.

If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.