Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases.

It could take a long time before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, breath shortness, and a feeling of weightiness.

This type of cancer usually 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. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at a greater risk due the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma after a thorough health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or whether the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos litigation-related jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. This is why anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take 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 people who have been exposed to asbestos law, but without having worked with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos law and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write note of the medical history of the patient, including asbestos legal (visit the next document) exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. 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, also known as MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved, the malignant or benign nature of those cells, as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to develop metastasis or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors can also run tests in the lab on a tumor to identify particular 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 mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its earlier stages. Many patients with mesothelioma live with the disease for a long time, without spreading.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or observed by naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of the pleural msothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request a biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has expertise in treating the condition.