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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos claim are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

It could take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling weightiness.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

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

The most popular 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 upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to show. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can result in confusion in diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and 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 can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas they may be exposed to Asbestos Case through family members or through other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should consult an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 years.

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 occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma could occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos lawsuit exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a 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-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed 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 a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time without expanding.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or observed through the naked eye, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura covers the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.