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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types.

It may take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of heavyness.

This kind of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or not the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who believes they're at risk should consult an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. 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 following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Vimeo are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for 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 imaging or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years without the disease spreading to other areas of their body.





Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or seen through the naked eye are able to become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.