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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most common jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military may be at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The most commonly used staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in lower stages. 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 chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

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

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos settlement-related professions, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they do not work in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should consult an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos settlement, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos lawyer fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to Asbestos Legal. 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, or MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which will help them identify cancer characteristics and determine the best 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.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or observed by naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura covers the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request biopsy if scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.