Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. Workers 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. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the outer lung the lining (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heaviness.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds 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 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also suffer from chest tightness, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations which put people at risk danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the likelihood of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. This kind of mesothelioma can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a false diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions 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 litigation through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a experience with asbestos attorney to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos litigation or has previously done the same. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to people who are younger or more. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can be present in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos lawsuit exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and to work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. Due to this, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take note of the medical history of the patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities as well as evidence of previous asbestos case (just click the up coming website) exposure such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be tested further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have greater chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also perform tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for a long time with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or seen with the naked eyes can be airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain as well as an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab analysis. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.