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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining also known as the pleura. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and breath shortness and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military could be at a higher risk due to the widespread asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done the same. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos case, you can find out more, exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos attorney, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are often misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps 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, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or viewed by naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.

If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of some of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.