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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos case [visit the website]. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and breathlessness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military may be at a higher risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and army bunkers.

The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should follow. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to show. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could lead to incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

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 cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone is not employed in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or by living with someone who works with asbestos or has previously done such. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos compensation exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos claim for a longer time and work 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 come exposed to asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

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

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to look 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 heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

The mesothelial type involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial 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 laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos legal may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.