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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases of different types.

It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different Asbestos Case types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of weightiness.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a false diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an extensive health history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident 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 and whether the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, such as plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher 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 other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos litigation exposure mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos compensation and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. 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 and have a longer period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos law and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells, as well as the location and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that will help them identify cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for many years without it expanding.

Exposure to asbestos law may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or observed with the naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura covers the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

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

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and indicate the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.