Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.
Symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos case (
click the following post). Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.
This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are among the most frequent occupations that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have been in the military are at an especially high risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy ships and army bunkers.
The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma can develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by
asbestos legal exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.
Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a misdiagnosis.
Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting a thorough health history and physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.
The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.
The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, such as plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should consult an expert. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to develop between 15 and 60 years.
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 more senior. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is also important to know that mesothelioma can develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer 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 clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos around on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist then examines the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified according to the mesothelial type involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.
Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time without the disease spreading to other organs of their body.
Exposure to
asbestos claim can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura covers the lungs and the heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.
The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain or a buildup 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 may request biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab tests. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan.
There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.
