Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases of different types.
Symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos claim. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.
Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs 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 year after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.
The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable outlook than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients generally suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could lead to confusion in diagnosis.
Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through a thorough health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or whether the tumor 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 professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop 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 believes they may be at risk should speak with an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or has previously done such. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to it. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos lawsuit.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos but did not engage directly with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos compensation exposure and can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos compensation and they don't usually carry Asbestos Legal on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cell.
Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.
Doctors can also run tests in the lab on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years without the disease spreading to other areas of their body.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.
The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos lawyer. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems, chest pain or a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.
If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove some of the liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and provide the most effective treatment plan.
There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.