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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos claim may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining or the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heavyness.

This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most common jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military may be at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which forms in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to manifest. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a false diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical examination. 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.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause 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 aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos attorney. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos case (click through the next page) and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.