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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

It can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining also known as the pleura. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling weightiness.

This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should follow. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which forms in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos law exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to manifest. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could cause incorrect diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-related jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these fields however, they may still be exposed through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos litigation (related webpage). Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

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 uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading.

Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.