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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

Symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos (browse around this site). Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heaviness.

This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at risk due to the widespread asbestos case use in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should follow. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lining of the lung it develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to manifest. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can result in confusion in diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting an extensive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify 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 mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people do not work in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service, or through living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do so. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms 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, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos claim home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look 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 heart and blood vessels, and 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 doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to grow or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other elements that can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. However, it's important to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the 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 treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.