ideacase3

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma. It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and breathlessness and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most common jobs that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This can make the cancer 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 is found in the peritoneum — a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, with only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive problems, which can cause incorrect diagnosis. Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an extensive health history and physical examination. They can also utilize imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. Staging is determined based on the cell type and whether or the tumor has spread to other areas of the body. The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should talk to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing 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 smoking, genetics and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothing. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of past asbestos exposure like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist then examines the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cell. The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes, or other factors that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for years without the disease spreading to other areas of their body. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or viewed by naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). In St. Joseph asbestos lawyer , the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura surrounds the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart. A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To find out more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.