| Title | Watch Out: How Mesothelioma And Asbestos Is Taking Over And What To Do… |
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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma. It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. 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 frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition feel chest pain and breathlessness and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest. This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure. The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military may be at risk due to the frequent 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 used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lung's lining, peritoneal cancer develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to show. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can cause incorrect diagnosis. Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an extensive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays. These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other regions of the body. The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos lawsuits. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 60 year. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. Because of this, victims are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure such as pleural plaques (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 magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist then examines the tissue using an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell. Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign, and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control. Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a 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 initial stages. Many people with newark mesothelioma attorney (www.youtube.com) live for a long time without the disease spreading to other areas of their body. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors. The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant baton rouge mesothelioma attorney cancers. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs. If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition. |
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