The Mesothelioma And Asbestos Case Study You ll Never Forget

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of heaviness.

This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military could be at risk due to the frequent asbestos attorney usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can result in misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cell and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos litigation in occupations, like electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos case (how you can help) through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do such. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos attorney exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and work with asbestos settlement for longer durations and to work with it. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and 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 formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells and the location and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can aid in describing cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or observed by naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura covers the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.