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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of weightiness.

This type of cancer is typically caused through exposure to asbestos law, which is a cluster of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can 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 frequent symptoms. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military may be at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a false diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if a person isn't employed in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they're at risk should consult a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos lawyer and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos claim case (for beginners)-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.

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 which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, 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 inside the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist then examines the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes, or other factors that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or observed by naked eyes are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.

If imaging scans show an area of concern in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.