Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases of different types.
It can take years before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest.
This type of cancer often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, the fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of 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 years after exposure.
The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.
The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will have a worse prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, the liver or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for patients.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.
As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients suffer from abdominal pain and abdominal swelling. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues and can lead to a false diagnosis.
The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that are not visible on X-rays.
These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cell and whether or the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. san diego asbestos attorney who have been exposed to asbestos in occupations, like electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person does not work in one of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.
Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.
Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos and they don't usually carry asbestos on their clothing.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This could lead to patients being incorrectly diagnosed.
The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.
Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it has cancerous cells.
The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.
Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.
Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or seen with the naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.
The pleura surrounds the lungs and heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and the heart.
If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the best treatment plan.
There are many types of mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.