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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It may take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining also known as the pleura. It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can 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 commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military could be at risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy ships and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will have a worse outlook than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a false diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a previous history of asbestos litigation to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos [click to find out more], but without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. asbestos settlement fibers that are too small to be felt or observed through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should speak with mesothelioma experts who have experience treating the condition.