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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos litigation in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most common occupations that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs which aren't evident on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos litigation through relatives or other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through work, military service or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. asbestos claim particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop 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 or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background 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 past asbestos settlement exposure like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation 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 as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or seen through the naked eye, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

A doctor may request biopsy if scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. 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. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.