Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos litigation. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and breathlessness and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical examination. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos lawyer is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos case may occur due to work, military service or by living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done so. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the 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 asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes or other factors that will help them identify cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos case. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.