10 Basics On Mesothelioma And Asbestos You Didn t Learn In School

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases of different types.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most common jobs that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have worked in the military could be at risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.

The most commonly used staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine what treatment plan they should follow. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal hillsboro mesothelioma attorney (try what he says) develops in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the most important 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. Even if they aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through work, military service or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done such. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can 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 at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos attorneys, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells as well as the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread 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 a tumor to find specific genes, proteins, or other factors that help them understand the characteristics of cancer 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 cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

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

If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.