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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases of different types.

The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos case, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most frequent jobs that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have served in the military are at 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 commonly used staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer that are not 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 tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos attorney, like plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who believes they're at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note that mesothelioma may develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos lawyer, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos litigation fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos case, and don't typically bring asbestos law home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims 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 order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. 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, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura covers the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.

A doctor will request biopsy if scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove some of the liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.