The Mesothelioma And Asbestos Case Study You ll Never Forget

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and breathlessness and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

This type of cancer typically caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

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

The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should follow. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a mistaken diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos claim may occur due to work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done the same. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form 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 or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not deal with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos attorney. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more common for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos claim and carry asbestos settlement fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos case (cool training) on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are often wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it goes out of control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years without the disease spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

A doctor may request biopsy if scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.