Mesothelioma and asbestos attorney

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

The symptoms of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heavyness.

This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. The 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 as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most common occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at an especially high risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a false diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos, but did not engage directly with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos law exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos attorney exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos settlement and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos compensation and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This is why patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

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

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain, or an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.