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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos compensation exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. 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 greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike 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 intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include 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 through a thorough medical history and 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 and other cancer signs that aren't evident on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos claim, the particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can be diagnosed 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 as compared to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years from the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma is a possibility in those who were exposed to asbestos case but did not work with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. This is due to the fact that 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 had asbestos exposure and bring Asbestos Case fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos compensation and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with 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 types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. asbestos claim fibers, too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.