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Mesothelioma and Asbestos Legal

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and breath shortness and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most common occupations which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient has when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will have a worse outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to show. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could cause incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They can also use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like plumbing or electrical work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or used to do the same. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can 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 age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma could occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is because 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 have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos claim, and they don't usually carry asbestos lawsuit on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of past asbestos litigation exposure like plaques on the pleura (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 heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test that uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma be afflicted for many years without it spreading.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or seen by naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all signs of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.