Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos litigation regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos settlement. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. These fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent occupations that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. Individuals who have been in the military are at an especially high risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can spread to 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

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after a thorough health history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos claim case (Highly recommended Site) in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should talk to an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos attorney without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos case, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure such as 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 that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also run tests in the lab on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes and other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. However, it's important to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or observed through the naked eye, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and the heart.

If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.