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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and breathlessness and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should follow. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.

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

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos attorney through relatives or other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos claim may occur due to work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos law exposure mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos compensation for longer periods of 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 tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos Case home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are sometimes misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist then examines the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. To find out more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.