Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should follow. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients generally have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they are at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent 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, small particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to Asbestos Legal, but without having worked with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. This is because 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 worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos attorney and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look 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 image or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of those cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos case can cause mesothelioma in many ways. asbestos compensation fibres, tiny enough to be felt or observed by naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. Overtime, these changes cause the development of 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 instances the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show a possible mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.