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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases.

Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos claim types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining also known as the pleura. It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, these 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, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military could be at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.

The most commonly used staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum - it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could cause incorrect diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos law in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone isn't employed in any of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should talk to an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos case, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. 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 that uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and also the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

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

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or viewed by naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

A doctor may request biopsy if scans show the possibility of a lung tumor or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.