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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling heaviness.

This type of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers 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 commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military are at a higher risk due to the widespread asbestos law use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should follow. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a worse outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these areas they could still be exposed through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos case (more info here) is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or used to do so. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos lawsuit.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years from the first exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos settlement and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. Because of this, victims are sometimes wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying 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 recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of inside the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and also the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or viewed by naked eyes are able to become airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.

If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.