Mesothelioma and Asbestos

asbestos claim, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos lawyer may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. Individuals who have served in the military are at a higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should follow. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos legal (Discover More Here) exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos claim. People who have worked in jobs that involve asbestos, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these fields however, they may still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all 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. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can occur between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos case. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos case 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 a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series detailed images of inside the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. During 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 microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or seen with the 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 cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order biopsy if scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.