Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.
It could take a long time 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 the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heaviness.
This type of cancer is typically caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military are at risk because of the extensive
asbestos Legal use in Navy ships 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 a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to
asbestos attorney is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a false diagnosis.
Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after a thorough health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other indications of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.
The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they are at risk should speak with an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to
asbestos case can occur due to military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothes.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including
asbestos law exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup 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 to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant, and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins or other factors that will help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time, without spreading.
Exposure to
asbestos lawyer can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways.