Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos lawsuit types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heavyness.

This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should receive. For example, patients with mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos lawyer is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to show. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can result in misdiagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like electrical or plumbing work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause 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 genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma can occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos attorney exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos legal, and to have asbestos attorney fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are often wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request 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 an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells and the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other factors that can aid in describing the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or viewed with the naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and the heart.

If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.