beargram9

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases. It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military are at risk due to the widespread asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army. 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 the time of diagnosis can help determine what treatment plan they will receive. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma can spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum — a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a false diagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through a thorough health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray. These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, such as plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done such. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to develop 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. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. portsmouth asbestos lawsuit can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and 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 susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing 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 difficult to identify because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This is why patients are often wrongly diagnosed. The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other factors that can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it's important to remember that the 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 trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or observed with the naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the best treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have expertise in treating the condition.