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Mesothelioma and asbestos case [Continuing]

Asbestos, a natural mineral, occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos lawsuit regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.

It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling heavyness.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of 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 frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military could be at risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a less favorable prognosis than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, 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 and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a false diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these fields however, they may still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should speak with an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos claim exposure mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 years.

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

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist is then able to look at the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of those cells, as well as the location and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. To learn more, patients should consult mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.