A Brief History Of The Evolution Of Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos lawsuit. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military could be at an especially high risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms may take years to appear. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a misdiagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after a thorough medical history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in professions which require Asbestos Legal, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if a person isn't employed in one of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These irritate the linings and cause 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 smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma can be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos settlement. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray 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 accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist can examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes or other factors that can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

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

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

A doctor will order a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor 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 determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.