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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.

It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent 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. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have served in the military could be at risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy vessels 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 a patient is in at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting a thorough medical history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a previous history of asbestos claim to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos case is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos settlement before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos attorney and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and also the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or seen with the naked eyes are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.