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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.

It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos case (read the article) can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and breathlessness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos lawyer exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most common occupations that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine what treatment plan they will receive. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a false diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs that aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos compensation-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos settlement through family members or through other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or used to do so. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign, and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it expanding.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or observed through the naked eye can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.

The pleura covers the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.