Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos legal (Going to Glamorouslengths) regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and breath shortness and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos settlement which is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are 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 in the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone does not work in one of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos lawyer, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not engage directly with it. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos law for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other elements that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel 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 that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

A doctor will order a biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of some of the liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.