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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

This type of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, 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 mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military may be at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they will receive. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to show. Patients generally 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 incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos legal-related jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done the same. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can occur between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma can be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated 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 a longer period of time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos case fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This is why patients are often wrongly diagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign, and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins or other elements which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years without the disease spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

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

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath and chest pain as well as an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of some of the liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the best treatment plan.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatments, which include 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. To find out more, patients should consult mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.