raftpatch96

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases. The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. lakewood asbestos law firm of asbestos can cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness. Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure. Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military may be at a higher risk due to the widespread asbestos usage in Navy ships and army bunkers. The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients. Peritoneal Mesothelioma In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum – an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than the pleural asbestosis. As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis. Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays. The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in one of these areas they could still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they are at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 years. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed. NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques on 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 an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist then examines the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control. Doctors can also run laboratory tests on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging. Treatment A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body. Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or seen with the naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers. A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all indications of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart. If imaging scans show a possible mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option. There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak to mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.