Mesothelioma and asbestos Case

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

The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time 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 the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heaviness.

This kind of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos litigation exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs that put people at high danger of developing pleural melanoma. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung it develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos compensation exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can lead to incorrect diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if people do not work in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos settlement through family members or through other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak 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 is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or has previously done such. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It is because mesothelioma generally takes 20 to 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos lawyer exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos attorney and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Because of this, victims are often mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques on 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 image or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to produce a series of precise images of the insides of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign, and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors can also run laboratory tests on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time, without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura covers the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.