Mesothelioma and Asbestos Legal

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

The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos claim. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining also known as pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling heavyness.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military may be at risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a false diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting an extensive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos case exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-related professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone does not work in any of these areas they could still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a previous history of asbestos lawsuit to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos but did not deal with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos attorney, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

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

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells as well as the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other elements that can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time without spreading.

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

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart.

If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan.

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