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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos case types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can 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 forms in the peritoneum, an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can result in confusion in diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos lawyer. People who have worked in asbestos-containing professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these areas they could still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should consult an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos case, particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma could develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos legal and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells as well as the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura covers the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a lung tumor or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.