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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling heaviness.

This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs 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 frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most common occupations that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military could be at an especially high risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should follow. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos (Click To See More) exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can result in misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans 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 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.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas they could still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. These irritate the linings and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos legal fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are sometimes wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos attorney 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 litigation. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. asbestos law fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds 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 scar. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and the heart.

A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a mass in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment option.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.