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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining, or pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and breathlessness and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble 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 prevalent jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma lawsuit, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can cause misdiagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through a thorough health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone does not work in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years from the first exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not engage directly with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, 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 magnets and radio waves to create 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 amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist then examines the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or viewed with the naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura covers the lungs and heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

A doctor will order biopsy if scans show the possibility of a mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more, www.Youtube.com patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.