Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases.
The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most frequent type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.
Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most prevalent occupations which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at a greater risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues and can lead to a misdiagnosis.
Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through a thorough health history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatments. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.
Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone does not work in any of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. aurora asbestos law firm who believes they may be at risk should speak with an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all 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, particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. 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 show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is known as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who had asbestos exposure and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are often wrongly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as 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 an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist then examines the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign, and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize which is why it is crucial to have a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.
Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time, without expanding.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, tiny enough to be felt or observed through the naked eye are able to become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura covers the lungs and the heart, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.
If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.
There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize an amalgamation of these techniques. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.