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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos lawsuit may develop lung diseases like mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breathlessness, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military may be at a higher risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos law exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs that aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma could be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of exposure to asbestos. 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 radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have greater risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins and other factors that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it's important to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. asbestos compensation fibres, small enough to not be felt or seen with the naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should speak with mesothelioma experts who have expertise in treating the condition.