Guide To Mesothelioma And Asbestos: The Intermediate Guide Towards Mes…
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Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other 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 type of cancer that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heaviness.
Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.
The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in 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 a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos claim exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting an extensive medical history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that are not evident on X-rays.
These tests enable 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 whether the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone does not work in one of these fields, he or she can still be exposed to asbestos litigation through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
asbestos lawsuit exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do the same. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years after the initial time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous 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 can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to work with asbestos (how you can help) for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos legal exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like plaques on 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 an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist then examines the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells as well as the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to remember, however, 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 may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or seen by naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.
If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment option.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other 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 type of cancer that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heaviness.
Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.
Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.
The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in 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 a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural cancer, which forms in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos claim exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting an extensive medical history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that are not evident on X-rays.
These tests enable 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 whether the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone does not work in one of these fields, he or she can still be exposed to asbestos litigation through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
asbestos lawsuit exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do the same. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years after the initial time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous 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 can also be caused by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to work with asbestos (how you can help) for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos legal exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like plaques on 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 an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist then examines the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells as well as the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors can also run laboratory tests on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to remember, however, 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 may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or seen by naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.
If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment option.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.