Guide To Mesothelioma And Asbestos: The Intermediate Guide Towards Mes…
Alisa
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09.24 13:15
Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.
It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining, or the pleura. It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest.
Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military may be at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.
The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum - it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a false diagnosis.
Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an extensive medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.
The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should talk to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger 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 age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos law. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos compensation for a longer period of time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos lawsuit home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. Because of this, victims are often mistakenly diagnosed.
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 can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as 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 magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist then examines the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.
Exposure to asbestos legal can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or seen with the naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.
A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the best treatment plan.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To find out more, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.
Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.
It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining, or the pleura. It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest.
Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military may be at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.
The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum - it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a false diagnosis.
Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an extensive medical history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.
The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should talk to an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger 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 age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos law. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos compensation for a longer period of time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos lawsuit home on their clothes.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. Because of this, victims are often mistakenly diagnosed.
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 can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as 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 magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist then examines the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.
Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.
Treatment
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.
Exposure to asbestos legal can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or seen with the naked eyes can be airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.
The pleura is a protective covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.
A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the best treatment plan.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To find out more, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.