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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of weightiness.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also experience 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. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military are at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.

The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. 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 several years to show. Most patients experience abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could lead to misdiagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos claim through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should consult a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to Asbestos Case.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people 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 be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as 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 precise images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform 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 examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells and the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have greater chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or seen by naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart.

A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

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