Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos attorney exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and breath shortness and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos settlement, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military could be at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by 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 what treatment plan they should follow. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, which forms in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms may take years to appear. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could cause misdiagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma could be present 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 could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos case (check out here) and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

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

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

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos lawsuit can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

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

Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order biopsy if scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.