Mesothelioma and Asbestos

asbestos case, a natural mineral, naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.

It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling heaviness.

This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

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

The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should follow. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can result in confusion in diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a experience with asbestos litigation to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years from the first exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos claim. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos lawsuit fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look 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 an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells as well as the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or viewed by naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura surrounds the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to Asbestos Case. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of some of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.