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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling heavyness.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should follow. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos Case is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to show. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting an extensive medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the cell type and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos compensation-related professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these fields however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos case mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos settlement around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying 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 will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray 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 an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time without the disease spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or observed with the naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of the pleural msothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.