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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

It may take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos case types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining, or the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

This type of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos [Learn Alot more] which is a cluster of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

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

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to confusion in diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these fields however, they may be exposed to asbestos lawsuit through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos lawsuit, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done the same. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos lawsuit exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos law and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend 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 scan or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of inside the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or viewed by naked eyes are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

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

If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.