Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

This type of cancer often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent occupations which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and youtube.com metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

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

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long beach mesothelioma lawsuit time to manifest. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person isn't employed in one of these fields, he or she can still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to people who are younger or more. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

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

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as 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 imaging or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other elements that can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor may request biopsy if scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can 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 a combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.