Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung’s outer lining, or pleura. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person’s heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don’t show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also experience chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos lawyer in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which forms in the lung’s lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually this is less than the pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if individuals aren’t employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after 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 more senior. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years from the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn’t engage directly with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and they don’t usually carry Asbestos Case on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being 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 litigation exposure. Doctors may also request 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 a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of inside the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos attorney can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or observed through the naked eye can be airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.