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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos lawyer. Different asbestos Case (hill-kuhn.mdwrite.Net) types may 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 prevalent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and breath shortness and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have served in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most effective 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 in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the risk 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 as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, such as plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may 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 is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or by living with someone who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos lawyer. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos compensation fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the 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 asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist is then able to look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have greater chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or seen with the naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Enrolling in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.