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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of weightiness.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military may be at an especially high risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy ships and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four can spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Like asbestos attorneys , peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause misdiagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way 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 diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or used to do the same. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This is why patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps 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 imaging or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets 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. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other elements that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. However, it is important to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura covers the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). 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 a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.