northage1

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases. It can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath and may also feel an ache or heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent occupations that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have worked in the military may be at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers for the army. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine the treatment plan they should follow. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum – an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a false diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify 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, determine the stage of the disease and suggest 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. waco asbestos law firm is the main risk factor. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos, such as plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in any of these areas they could still be exposed through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to asbestos. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion). 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. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the 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 spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for a long time without spreading. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or seen with the naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of 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 show the possibility of a mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.