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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, or the pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting 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 often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military may be at risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The most commonly used staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should follow. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. 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 the peritoneal cancer is a result of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to show. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or 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. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone does not work in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos to asbestos lawyer through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or used to do the same. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos lawyer without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos law on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are often misdiagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without spreading.

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

The Pleura is a covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. 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.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order a biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.