The Mesothelioma And Asbestos Case Study You'll Never Forget

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military are at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.

The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they will receive. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to show. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

The most important mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos claim, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos case (a fantastic read) and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of past asbestos legal exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

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 magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes and other factors that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time without spreading.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or viewed through the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura surrounds the lungs and the heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. These changes eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove some of the liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.