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Mesothelioma and asbestos compensation

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

Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease suffer from chest pain and breathlessness and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most common jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at greater risk due the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a mistaken diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

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

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a history with asbestos law to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma could be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos case (Highly recommended Site) exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are often misdiagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos legal exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

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

Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

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

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.