Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases like mesothelioma.
It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma that accounts for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of weightiness.
Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the 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 system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they should receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lining of the lung, peritoneal cancer develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to show. Most patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of gastrointestinal issues, which can result in misdiagnosis.
Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.
The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, such as plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone isn't employed in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years old.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under 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 benign or malignant and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. reading asbestos attorney of mesothelioma are at an increased 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 a tumor to identify particular proteins, genes and other factors that can help them describe the cancer's 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 cancer is treatable, especially in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time, without expanding.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or viewed by naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura covers the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To learn more, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.