Mesothelioma and asbestos attorney

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

It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and breath shortness, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent jobs that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who were in the military are at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

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 like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could lead to incorrect diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs that aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in professions that involve asbestos case (understanding), such as plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these fields however, they may still be exposed through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major mesothelioma risk factor, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service, or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or used to do the same. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to people who are younger or more. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, since it damages mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos litigation home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This could lead to patients being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, as well as evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed doctors take a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.

Doctors can also run tests in the lab on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes, or other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue and eventually tumors.

The pleura covers the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos claim and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

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

If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.