Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases.
Symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma form and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of weightiness.
This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, 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. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that expose people to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military may be at a higher risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.
The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining it develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a misdiagnosis.
Doctors can identify mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to manifest cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. This is because men are more likely to be exposed to
asbestos attorney and endure a more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with
asbestos case, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with
asbestos settlement and do not typically carry asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are often wrongly diagnosed.
NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign, and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time, without spreading.
Exposure to asbestos (
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The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.
A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.
A doctor will request biopsy if scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the best treatment plan.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.
