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The Mesothelioma And Asbestos Awards: The Best, Worst And Strangest Things We've Ever Seen
Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. irving asbestos lawyer can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining also known as the pleura. It is the most frequent 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 they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent occupations which put people at risk danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms may take years to appear. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could cause incorrect diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service or by living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do the same. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may 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 just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. Because of this, victims are often wrongly diagnosed.


NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells as well as the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or seen with the naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.

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