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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases.

It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breathlessness and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to Asbestos Case, a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most common occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military are at risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a mistaken diagnosis.

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

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos settlement-containing occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos claim or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years from the first time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos claim, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos compensation, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are often misdiagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign, and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. However, it's important to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in a number of ways. 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 lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show an area of concern in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of some of the fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.