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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can cause misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.

asbestos litigation exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years after the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos (Read More On this page) without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos claim exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos settlement for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

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

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of previous asbestos litigation exposure such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of inside the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant, and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins, or other factors which will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without spreading.

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

The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos attorney. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of the pleural msothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.