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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

The symptoms of these diseases may 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 affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heavyness.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos litigation case (Learn Even more) exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military could be at a higher risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to show. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can cause misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an extensive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that are not evident on X-rays.

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

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if a person does not work in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should consult an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. 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 develop between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos settlement exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into 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 is why patients are often wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history, including asbestos lawyer exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup 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 as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use 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 is then able to examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

Doctors can also run tests in the lab on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it's important to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for a long time without spreading.

Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or seen with the naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The pleura covers the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos settlement which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Breathing problems, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.