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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos claim case (go to frozenllama.io) types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

This type of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that 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. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive problems, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after a thorough medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

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

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone does not work in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or used to do such. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing 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 age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently 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 lawsuit for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background including asbestos attorney exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for many years without it spreading.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or seen through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and also 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.

A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and the heart.

If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To find out more, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.