Guide To Mesothelioma And Asbestos: The Intermediate Guide In Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos lawsuit may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military are at an especially high risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

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

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to show. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest 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 professions which require asbestos, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone does not work in one of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should talk to an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos attorney or has previously done so. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

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 older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to bring asbestos (Read Full Report) home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

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

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos lawsuit exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of those cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without expanding.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or observed with the naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lung's lining (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 protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all signs of the pleural msothelioma. In rare cases 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 the doctor will request biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have expertise in treating the condition.