It s The Mesothelioma And Asbestos Case Study You ll Never Forget

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and breath shortness and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most common jobs that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should receive. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual does not work in one of these fields they could be exposed to Asbestos Case through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or through living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember 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 secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos settlement exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos lawsuit-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos compensation around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history including asbestos lawyer exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray in order 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 an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

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

Doctors can also perform tests in the laboratory on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the disease can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems and chest pain, or an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.

A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.