Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos lawyer regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and breathlessness and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest.

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

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who served in the military are at greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could cause incorrect diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through a thorough health history and physical examination. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos Legal.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma could develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who had asbestos lawsuit exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This is why patients are sometimes wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, 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, also known as MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and indicate the best treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on the combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.