The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Mesothelioma And Asbestos fullerton asbestos lawsuit and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.

It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of weightiness.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most common occupations which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military are at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The most commonly used staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays.


These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

The most significant risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone isn't employed in any of these areas, he or she can still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves in order to create a series detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time without the disease spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or observed with the naked eyes can be airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure doctors remove some of the fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.