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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, or pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and breath shortness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. 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. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most common jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a false diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after a thorough medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should speak with an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. 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 after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years from the initial exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos attorney exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos case - click through the next page - exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are often wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

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

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other factors that can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos litigation can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or observed by naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain, or an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and the heart.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.