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It's A Mesothelioma And Asbestos Success Story You'll Never Believe
Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally occurs 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 types of lung diseases.

It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.


The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. 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 commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. asbestos attorney is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a false diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through a thorough health history and physical examination. They can also use imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing 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. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma could develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose 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 can also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques on 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 an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant, and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or viewed through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.

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