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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

The symptoms of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos 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 prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a false diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to Asbestos Legal [14.63.162.126] through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos legal can occur through work, military service or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or used to do the same. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos claim and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as pleural plaques (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 an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of those cells, as well as the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or seen by naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order biopsy if scans show the possibility of a lung tumor or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors use an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.