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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 risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to Asbestos Case. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military could be at risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

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

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could cause misdiagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays.

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

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years from the initial time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to note that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history including asbestos case exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant and also the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to get a definite diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. asbestos lawsuit particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the best treatment option.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.