Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heaviness.

This kind of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military are at an especially high risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been 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 in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike 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 such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after an extensive health history and physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be 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 finding out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos law.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as dangerous as direct asbestos compensation exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos lawyer. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with Asbestos Case and have an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This is why patients are often 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 claim exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing an operation called a biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist then examines the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells and the location and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes and other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or seen by naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness and chest pain as well as an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.