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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of heaviness.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most common jobs that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the 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 manifest. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a experience with asbestos case (visit here) to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely 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 people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos lawsuit exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos attorney-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time without expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.

A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.