From Around The Web Here Are 20 Amazing Infographics About Mesothelioma And Asbestos

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

It may take decades for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling weightiness.

This type of cancer usually caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military could be at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause misdiagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other signs of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. Staging is determined based on the type of cell and whether or not the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. It is because mesothelioma generally lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women.  oxnard asbestos law firm  is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes and other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers that are tiny enough to be felt or viewed by naked eyes, can become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of the pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab analysis. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.