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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and breathlessness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that causes 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 commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military are at risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative outlook 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 increases the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, like plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos Case through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should speak with an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos lawsuit is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos lawsuit can occur due to work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 year.

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

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos attorney for longer periods of time and to have worked with it. 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 be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which 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 by performing a surgical 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 then examines the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to grow or spread, so it is important to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other factors that will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to detect or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos law which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and the heart.

A doctor will order biopsy if scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.