floorprofit9

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other 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 occurs in the lung's outer lining also known as pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heavyness. This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure. The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. concord asbestos attorney with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most frequent jobs that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military could be at an especially high risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers for the army. The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum — it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to show. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through a thorough medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs which aren't evident on X-rays. These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who suspects 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 exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, 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 genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma could be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits. Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those 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 that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control. Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for a long time, without spreading. Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or observed through the naked eye are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors. The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan. There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.