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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.

It could take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of heavyness.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due to 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, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a false diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting an extensive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos (center.kosin.ac.kr), such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they're at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos claim is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or by living with someone who works with asbestos or used to do such. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos settlement exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma 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. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose 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 a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

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

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. To find out more, patients should speak with mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.