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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos case 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 frequent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity 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 commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in confusion in diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos lawsuit exposure. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who believes they are at risk should consult a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done such. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos attorney and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry Asbestos Case on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, 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, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or observed with the naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

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

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