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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases.

Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos law may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling heaviness.

This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk 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, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in incorrect diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after a thorough health history and physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone does not work in one of these fields however, they may still be exposed through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos lawyer before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos attorney for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or viewed through the naked eye, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura surrounds the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

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

If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.