Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.
It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining also known as the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heavyness.
This kind of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military may be at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.
The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos lawsuit is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a false diagnosis.
Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't evident on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos case; on front page, in jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if people do not work in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.
Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos litigation for a longer period of time and to have worked with it. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos attorney and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are sometimes misdiagnosed.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of exposure to asbestos settlement. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells.
The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells, as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it goes out of control.
Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura covers the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.
A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.
It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining also known as the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of heavyness.
This kind of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military may be at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.
The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos lawsuit is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a false diagnosis.
Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't evident on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos case; on front page, in jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if people do not work in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about the risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years from the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.
Smoking increases a person's chances of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos litigation for a longer period of time and to have worked with it. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos attorney and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are sometimes misdiagnosed.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of exposure to asbestos settlement. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells.
The mesothelial type involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells, as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it goes out of control.
Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura covers the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. In time, these changes can result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.
A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.
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