Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, 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.

It may take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. People with this condition feel chest pain and shortness of breath, and they may feel an ache or heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. 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 usually doesn’t show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most common jobs which put people at risk danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have worked in the military may be at risk due to the frequent asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will aid 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 compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even a person’s heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural cancer, which is found in the lung’s lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take years to show. Most patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a false diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient’s medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer which aren’t visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. Staging is determined based on the cell type and whether or the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person isn’t employed in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they are at risk should talk to an expert. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos lawsuit is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. asbestos legal particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to it. These irritate the linings and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos claim exposure mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It is because mesothelioma generally lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma could be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma developing, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma is more common for men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Additionally, men are more likely to live with someone who has worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos, and don’t typically carry asbestos law on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient’s medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities, and evidence of exposure to asbestos case (Read A great deal more). These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist will then look at the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing, so it’s important to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung’s lining (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Breathing problems, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs and heart.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. To learn more about the trials, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.