15 Up-And-Coming Mesothelioma And Asbestos Bloggers You Need To Check Out

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.

It could take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heaviness.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most common occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due the extensive use omaha asbestos lawsuit in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or YouTube CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs that are not evident on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, 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 be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as plaques in 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 an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist can examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells.

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

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time, without expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or seen through the naked eye can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The pleura covers the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath and chest pain, or a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.

A doctor will order biopsy if scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.