Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos lawsuit. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heavyness.

This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most frequent occupations that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were 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, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos attorney exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a misdiagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop 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 age. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos settlement before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos claim and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

The first step in identifying 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 may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have greater risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

Doctors can also run tests in the lab on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time without the disease spreading to other organs of their body.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. asbestos litigation fibers, too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

If imaging scans show an area of concern in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.