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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 are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should receive. 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. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a false diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos claim, and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as 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 case and have a longer period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and also the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to grow or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other factors that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years without the disease spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos attorney can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. asbestos lawsuit fibers, which are too small to be felt or observed through the naked eye, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness and chest pain, or an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and indicate the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.