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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos case (q2a.my-stammtisch.de writes) types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military may be at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they should receive. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. Most patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a false diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through a thorough health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

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

The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos, such as plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more 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 come in contact with asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos law exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques on the pleura (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 as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist then examines the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors can also run laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

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

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of some of the fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and indicate the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have experience treating the condition.