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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 risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining, or the pleura. It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling heavyness.

This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and 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 experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations which put people at risk danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have worked in the military may be at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they should follow. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to confusion in diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if people do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who believes they're at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find 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 may occur through work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done such. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos legal.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos compensation before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos case and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are often misdiagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos case exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist is then able to look at the tissue under a microscope to see if it contains cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time without spreading.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or viewed with the naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain as well as an accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove some of the liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.