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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling weightiness.

Exposure to asbestos case - visit the following post -, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military may be at risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could result in incorrect diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an extensive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos litigation-containing occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they are 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 exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done the same. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos attorney. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos law and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background, 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 plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors can also run laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without spreading.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or seen through the naked eye are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart.

A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the best treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.