Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.
The symptoms of these diseases might not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heaviness.
This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.
Chest pain and shortness breath are the most common symptoms. Some patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who have worked in the military may be at a higher risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.
The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.
As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.
Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma by conducting an extensive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can detect tumors and other cancer signs which aren't visible on X-rays.
These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest 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 exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should consult an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing the same. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a more 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 tend to be less exposed to asbestos and don't typically bring asbestos home on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as 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 uses radio waves and magnets to create 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 will remove a small part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist is then able to look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it has cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins and other factors that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, especially in its initial stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to be felt or seen by naked eyes are able to become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura covers the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.
glendale asbestos attorneys of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural msothelioma. In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.
A doctor will order biopsy if scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment option.
There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.