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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breath shortness and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military are at risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in 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 four will have a worse prognosis than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a misdiagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't evident on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cell and whether or not the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos lawsuit, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas, he or she can still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should consult an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos legal - http://sungchol.org - exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos settlement may occur through work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos law mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. 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 and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.

Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

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

A doctor may request biopsy if scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.