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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, or pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, YouTube lymph nodes, and hawthorne Mesothelioma attorney (Recommended Internet page) metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could lead to misdiagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow 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 whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in any of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they're at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those 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 genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms 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 engage directly with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because 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 note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history including asbestos attorneys exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue with microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes and other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart.

If imaging scans show an area of concern in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.