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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and breath shortness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to Asbestos Legal, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

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

The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they will receive. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the 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 kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to contract the disease. Even if they do not work in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos lawsuit is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma could develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos case. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy 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 a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets 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 the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for a long time without expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. asbestos litigation fibers, which are too small to detect or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a covering 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. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors use the combination 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 mesothelioma.