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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heavyness.

This type of cancer often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have worked in the military are at risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, Asbestos Case exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos case, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone does not work in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should talk to an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos claim but didn't work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos case and experience a more exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign, and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or viewed by naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural msothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show a possible mass in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of some of the fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.