Why Nobody Cares About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

The symptoms of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling weightiness.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military may be at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they should receive. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms may take years to appear. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and League City can lead to a false diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma lawyers. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or not the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these fields however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. It is because mesothelioma generally lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma could occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. 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 live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. Due to this, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps 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 image, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or Youtube.com the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the mesothelial type involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The pleura covers the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and the heart.

If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and indicate the most effective treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.