Why We Why We Mesothelioma And Asbestos And You Should Too

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heavyness.

This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos compensation in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military may be at an especially high risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to 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 like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a false diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an extensive health history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and 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 and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.

Asbestos Legal exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos attorney through relatives or other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are often wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. 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 magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or viewed through the naked eye can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura covers the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain as well as the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the most effective treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.