pastetongue3

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases. Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness. This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure. Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most common occupations which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural cancer, which forms in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis. Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive issues, which could lead to misdiagnosis. The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays. These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. 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. Even if they aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or used to do the same. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 years old. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not engage directly with it. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to work with it. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are often mistakenly diagnosed. The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. When Lafayette asbestos attorney is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread, so it is important to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to find specific proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years without the disease spreading to other areas of their body. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors. The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help 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 enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.