Mesothelioma and asbestos (he has a good point)

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

It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and breath shortness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military may be at risk because of the extensive use of asbestos litigation in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could lead to misdiagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical examination. 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 visible on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.

The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may 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 is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These irritate the linings and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos lawsuit, and they are less likely to carry asbestos compensation on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are sometimes misdiagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to check 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, which uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist then examines the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

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

Treatment

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

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or viewed with the naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

A shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab analysis. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.