Mesothelioma and asbestos litigation

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

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 can be found in the lung's outer lining also known as the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of weightiness.

This kind of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers 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 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military are at risk because of the extensive asbestos litigation usage in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used for the pleural cancer. 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 have a less favorable prognosis than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

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

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could lead to misdiagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical examination. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos case, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in any of these areas they could still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should consult a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos, but did not engage directly with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to work with it. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background, including asbestos legal exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. 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 magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and also the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors can also run laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for many years without it expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the structure of cells that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura covers the heart and lungs and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. These changes can eventually cause mesothelioma cancers.

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

A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial to patients. To find out more, patients should speak with a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.