Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases of different types.
The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of weightiness.
This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to
asbestos lawsuit in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military could be at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy ships and army bunkers.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer 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 forms in the peritoneum, an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.
Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis.
Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.
These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about the risk.
Risk Factors
asbestos case,
great site, is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to
asbestos litigation can occur through military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to
asbestos attorney.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. 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 come in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Because of this, victims are sometimes wrongly diagnosed.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves in order to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist then examines the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.
Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms.