Mesothelioma and asbestos litigation

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

Symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer is typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically 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. Individuals who have served in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most common staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience 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 can be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a misdiagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after an extensive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors, as well as other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these fields however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can help them find out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or used to do such. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos case (Cyraxx explained in a blog post).

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma could develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are often misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history including asbestos attorney exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels, and a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. However, it's important to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to detect or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos lawyer. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all signs of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment option.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.