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15 Terms That Everyone Working In The Mesothelioma And Asbestos Industry Should Know
Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.

It may take decades for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breath shortness, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. duluth asbestos lawsuit may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could result in misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting a thorough medical history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, such as plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone isn't employed in one of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done so. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to it. These irritate the linings and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to work with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

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

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or observed by naked eyes are able to become airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura surrounds the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain, or an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.

A doctor may request biopsy if scans show the possibility of a lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.


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