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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of heavyness.

This type of cancer is typically caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most frequent occupations which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Most patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could cause confusion in diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a history with cleveland asbestos lawyer - reference, to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos lawyers for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are sometimes wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for a long time, without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or observed with the naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural msothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.