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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and breathlessness, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military are at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos settlement usage in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as 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 problems, which can result in misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people 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 keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma can be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos, and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. This is because men are 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 has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos (Recommended Web-site) fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

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

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura 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 make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can examine the tissue with microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells and the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

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

Exposure to asbestos settlement can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or seen through the naked eye can be airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into 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 form scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.