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Why We Why We Mesothelioma And Asbestos (And You Should Also!)
Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases of different types.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and breathlessness and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.


This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that 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 discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most common jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to show. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, such as plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with 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 as a result of work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. When exposed to asbestos, 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. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing 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 an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time without the disease spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or observed with the naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request biopsy if scans show the possibility of a lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the most effective treatment plan.

There are st joseph asbestos attorneys of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. To learn more, patients should speak with mesothelioma experts who have experience treating the condition.

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