| Title | The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Mesothelioma And Asbestos |
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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases of different types. The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos attorney may cause different symptoms. Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and breath shortness and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest. This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers 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. The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also experience chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army. The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient. Peritoneal Mesothelioma As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year. As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can lead to confusion in diagnosis. Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays. These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread. Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if a person does not work in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk. Risk Factors Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos settlement may occur as a result of military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos legal (check out this one from Blogbright). When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a more exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothes. Diagnosis Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed. The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for 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 buildup of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion). Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells. The mesothelial type involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control. Doctors can also run laboratory tests on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging. Treatment A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. However, it's important to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for many years without it spreading. Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or observed with the naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart. A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of liquid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan. There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition. |
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