Mesothelioma and asbestos claim

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases like mesothelioma.

It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, or the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness.

This type of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a cluster of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos litigation in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma forms 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 and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of digestive problems, which can result in misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma through an extensive medical history and physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a experience with asbestos litigation to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or has previously done such. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos settlement.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos legal - page - before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma can be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can 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 experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist can examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them identify 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 mesothelioma can be afflicted for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. asbestos claim fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or viewed through the naked eye can be airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness, chest pain or a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.

A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.