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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining, or the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most common occupations which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military may be at an especially high risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a misdiagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in any of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or used to do so. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because 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 notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells, as well as the location and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

Doctors can also run tests in the lab on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes and other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. asbestos case fibers, too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.